Syria: Violence continues in Eastern Ghouta despite ceasefire Nov. 29 /update 2

Event

According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least one person was killed by shelling on Wednesday, November 28, in the town of Arbin in the rebel-controlled Eastern Ghouta district, east of Damascus. Multiple other people were injured in the attack, allegedly conducted by government forces, despite a 48-hour truce announced on Tuesday, November 28, set to coincide with peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland. Previous UN negotiations in Geneva occurred in March and ended without result.

Context

Fighting continues across Syria between opposition forces and the Assad government despite a previous ceasefire brokered by the Russian government in May. The agreement established a series of "de-escalation" zones, enforced by Russian, Turkish, and Iranian forces.

Syria is enmeshed in a complex civil war that started between the Assad government and opposition forces in March 2011. Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.