Battered and besieged
Rebel-held Eastern Ghouta has seen some of the most intense assaults and shelling in the eight-year Syrian civil war and has been described as "hell on earth"
What is Ghouta? Ghouta comprises the suburbs of Syrian capital Damascus. Its 400,000 residents were among the first to rise up against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. The area was later taken over by Syrian rebels. Islamist militant groups formerly or presently associated with al-Qaeda also have a small but significant presence here Why is it significant? Eastern Ghouta is the last major area near Damascus which is still under rebel control. Syrian jets have been bombing the region since 2013, with Russian warplanes recently joining in
Renewed offensive
Syrian and Russian jets have upped the aerial assault of Eastern Ghouta since February 18. On February 25, Syrian forces launched a ground offensive targeting areas on the edges of the pocket to enable their ground forces to advance
Why the escalation?
With Russia and Iran's help, Assad has turned the war decisively in his favour. Now he wants to retake parts of Syria which fell out of his control, and Ghouta — located so close to Damascus — is essential for his plans 905 civilians killed since Feb 18
Who are the protagonists?
Government forces: Syria, backed by Russia, Iran Rebels: Army of Islam, Al-Rahman Corps, Ahrar al-Sham, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (formerly al-Nusra Front), and others Backed by Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
War crimes
There have been many accusations of war crimes against Assad and his backers
1
Chemical attacks
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"Dishonest" truces
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Indiscriminate bombing
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Targeting inhabited areas