Terrorists in Syrian E Ghouta Hold 100s of Civilians Hostage – Russian Military

The militants, including those form controlled by Jaysh al-Islam and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist groups, hold hundreds of people in East Ghouta, including children and women, hostage, according to Russian reconciliation center’s spokesman Maj. Gen. Yuri Yevtushenko.

“Despite the UN Security Council resolution on the establishment of a 30-day ceasefire in Syria, the situation in Eastern Ghouta continues to worsen,” Yevtushenko said at a daily briefing on Monday.

Moreover, Yevtushenko went on, the militants continue attacks against residential areas of Damascus from the enclave, firing 228 mortar and artillery shells over the past week.

“Despite reconciliation statements made by the Jaish al-Islam, insurgents continue mortar shelling from the controlled territory targeting the city of Damascus … Four people lost their lives, more than 50 were injured and including 16 children [in a week],” the Russian reconciliation center said in a statement.

The Russian Defense Ministry has said that armed groups are trying to break the ceasefire by attempting to provoke the Syrian army.
On Saturday, the UN Security Council unanimously passed resolution 2401 that urges all parties to the conflict to immediately stop all clashes and adhere to a long-term humanitarian pause on the entire territory of Syria in order to ensure the safe and unhindered humanitarian aid supplies as well as medical evacuation of those injured.
sputnik