Five Terrorist Groups Create Joint Command Center in East Ghouta – Russian MoD

By Editor On Feb 25, 2018

Despite the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution on a 30-day ceasefire in Syria, the situation in the embattled East Ghouta suburb east of Damascus is escalating with militant groups continuing attacks on the government forces, according to the Russian military.

Five terrorist factions, including Jayish al Islam and the Nusra Front have created a joint leadership center in East Ghouta, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

“The situation in East Ghouta is worsening. In the enclave, militant groups Jayish al Islam, Jabhat An-Nusra, Ahrar al-Sham, Failak Ar-Rahman and Fajr Al-Umma have created a joint center for coordinating the actions of the groups,” the ministry said.

The ministry went on to say that despite the adoption of the UN resolution that calls for a 30-day halt in fighting in Syria, the militant groups targeted the Syrian forces along the contact line in the morning on February 25.
The Jayish al Islam group that had pledged to adhere to the truce regime has continued to shell Damascus from the areas it controls, the ministry pointed out. A total of 31 mortar shells have been fired at Damascus in 24 hours.
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The Syrian armed forces also foiled a car bomb attack near the town of Qaboun. The car had arrived from the areas under the control of Failak Ar-Rahman and Nusra militants, the ministry pointed out.
Moreover, the leaders of the militant groups are preparing a provocation with the use of chemical weapons in Eastern Ghouta to accuse Damascus of targeting civilians and discredit the Syrian government’s anti-terrorist operation in the area, the ministry added
The developments come after the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2401 that stipulates an immediate halt in clashes and urges warring sides to a long-term humanitarian pause al over the country in order to ensure the safe and unhindered humanitarian aid supplies as well as medical evacuation of those injured.
Since February 18 Syrian government forces have been carrying out an operation codenamed “Damascus Steel” in a bid to clear East Ghouta of illegal Islamist units. The humanitarian situation in the area deteriorated with the terror factions provoking the Damascus forces and preventing the civilians from leaving the battle zone.