Airstrikes in Syria’s Eastern Ghouta prove deadly as rebels push for talks

BEIRUT — Syria’s Eastern Ghouta region was hit by multiple airstrikes on Friday, claiming the lives of more than 80 civilians, as rebel groups holding out in the enclave near Damascus said they wanted negotiations to end the fighting.

“The rebel groups in Eastern Ghouta are ready to hold direct negotiations with the Russians under the sponsorship of the U.N. in Geneva, that will be aimed at consolidating a cease-fire in the enclave and the delivery of food and medical assistance,” said Wael Olwan, a spokesman for the rebel group Faylaq al-Rahman.

“We expressed readiness to hold direct talks, but the Russians are still refusing such a move,” he said.

A statement by three groups — Faylaq al Rhaman, Jaish al Islam and Ahrar al-Sham — stressed the implementation of U.N. resolutions to end the violence and allow aid to enter the besieged zone.

Friday’s deadliest strikes were mounted by Russian jets in the town of Kafr Batna, leaving at least 46 civilians dead, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

“This is another massacre and the world is still silent,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based watchdog.

Russia is a major ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Its 2015 intervention in the war-torn country has tilted the balance in favor of Mr. Assad.

Mr. Abdel Rahman said earlier Friday that the planes carrying out the airstrikes had used thermite bombs, which caused major fires.

The Observatory reported that government forces on Friday seized most of Eastern Ghouta’s town of Jisrine. The Syrian army claims to have retaken control of about 70 percent of the enclave from the rebels since it launched its month long offensive.

Located on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, Eastern Ghouta has been one of the few remaining areas in Syriaunder rebel control.

Activist Abu Ahed, speaking from Eastern Ghouta, said people had been encouraged by a morning lull on Friday, and had therefore ventured from their shelters. But soon after, jets fired four rocketstar geting a market.