DOUMA: The Syrian regime on Sunday drew closer to taking full control of rebel bastion Eastern Ghouta after a deal appeared to be reached for fighters and civilians to leave the enclave’s last opposition pocket. There was no immediate confirmation from the rebels, but Russia’s military said it had “reached a preliminary agreement for the withdrawal” of the group from Eastern Ghouta near Damascus. The retaking of Eastern Ghouta would mark a major milestone in President Bashar al-Assad’s efforts to regain control of territory seized by rebel factions during Syria’s seven-year civil war. This picture taken on April 1, 2018, shows destroyed buildings in the former rebel-held town of Jobar, recently taken by the regime forces, in Eastern Ghouta. Syrian civilians hold their national flag in the former rebel-held town of Jobar, recently taken by the regime forces, in Eastern Ghouta.

Source: New Strait Times April 02, 2018 00:45 UTC