Terrorists Open Fire at 300 Families Fleeing Eastern Ghouta

Brigadier General Vladimir Zolotokhin, a spokesman for the Russian center, said that terrorists targeted a convoy of civilians, including 300 families, only 1 km South of the humanitarian corridor in the village of al-Maliha in Eastern Ghouta, setting fire at three vehicles.

Zolotokhin further said that terrorists hit the families with numerous mortar rounds in the presence of journalists, inflicting large casualties on them.

Head of the Russian Centers Major General Yuri Yevtushenko said a number of civilians were killed or wounded in Faylaq al-Rahman's attack in the village of al-Maliheh.

He further said that the terrorists intensified their attacks on al-Wafedeen camp humanitarian corridor during the hours of the daily ceasefire to punish the fleeing civilians and block their exit path. 

In a relevant development on Thursday a large number of terrorists left their positions in Eastern Ghouta of Damascus and fled to safer areas after the Syrian army intensified military operations in the region.

The Syrian army could regain control of al-Ash'ari farms West of the town of Hawsh al-Ash'ari while field reports said that the town would be liberated soon.

Also, local sources from inside the town reported that the terrorists lost their morale and fled towards the town of Aftaris.

The terrorists first attacked the army positions in al-Mohammadiyeh and Hawsh al-Asha'ari farms but army soldiers warded off their offensive and forced them to flee.

The army units then continued the operations in Eastern Ghouta, regaining control of a number of farms South-East of the town of al-Reihan and East of Hawsh al-Ash'ari region.

Meantime, the Syrian army forces could win back control of a large part of the strategic town of al-Reihan, further advancing in other areas after driving the terrorists out.

They also advanced in a limited area near the town of Mesraba, inching closer to the town of Douma.

A military source who called for anonymity said that the army troops stationed in Mesraba farms could take back control of al-Masjed al-Ahmar region after clashes with the terrorists.

They also gained back control of several buildings and farms after clashes with the terrorists in the Eastern parts of al-Birouni hospital in Harasta.