Syrian government forces and Russian fighters heavily targeted Eastern Ghouta on Thursday. In recent days, government forces have managed to capture one of the densely populated centers of the region, resulting in a large number of civilians fleeing the city. A video report released by Russian news networks shows civilians fleeing from the city of Hammuriyeh, marking the largest migration of residents from Eastern Ghouta since the government forces began their offensive in the area last month. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which collects and publishes war news, 26 civilians were killed during the final assault by government forces to capture Hammuriyeh on Wednesday, with images from inside the city showing that some of the victims of airstrikes were young children. The International Red Cross reports that it has managed to send a humanitarian aid convoy for thousands of people to the city of Douma. Meanwhile, Syrian government forces, supported by Russian fighters, aim to reclaim the entire Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of Damascus from the rebels. In the ongoing Syrian civil war, which has entered its eighth year, over 465,000 people have been killed, more than one million injured, and about 11 million displaced, half of the country's population before the war began. Since the start of the government offensive on Eastern Ghouta in late February, 1,200 people have been killed during these attacks. The Syrian and Russian governments have ignored a UN Security Council resolution passed last month calling for a 30-day ceasefire across the country. In recent advances, Syrian government forces have managed to divide Eastern Ghouta into two sections, cutting off Douma, the largest city in the region, from other areas. According to the International Red Cross, a convoy of 25 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered Eastern Ghouta on Thursday and is expected to distribute the aid throughout the day. Meanwhile, the Russian army announced that it would halt its attacks on Douma on Thursday and Friday due to humanitarian concerns. Civilian activists in Douma reported that the city has been relatively calm in recent days.
Civilians Flee Eastern Ghouta Amid Advances by Government Forces
Syrian government forces, supported by Russian airstrikes, have intensified their offensive in Eastern Ghouta, leading to significant civilian displacement, particularly from Hammuriyeh. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis, with the International Red Cross attempting to deliver aid amidst the violence. This situation highlights the severe humanitarian impact of the Syrian civil war and the disregard for international ceasefire agreements.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Syrian government forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, have intensified their offensive in Eastern Ghouta, leading to significant civilian displacement, particularly from the city of Hammuriyeh. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties and ongoing humanitarian crises despite international calls for ceasefires.
- 26 civilians were killed during the assault on Hammuriyeh, including children.
- Over 1,200 people have died in Eastern Ghouta since the government offensive began in late February.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Syrian civil war has been ongoing since 2011, resulting in a humanitarian crisis with millions displaced and significant loss of life. Eastern Ghouta has been a focal point of conflict due to its proximity to Damascus and its strategic importance.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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