Syria: Government accepts Eastern Ghouta ceasefire November 28 /update 1

Event

According to human rights monitors, at least three people were killed by shelling on Tuesday, November 28, in the rebel-controlled Eastern Ghouta district east of Damascus. At least another 15 people were wounded by the attack, allegedly conducted by government forces. Airstrikes and shelling also reportedly killed at least 41 people on November 26 and 27. Later on Tuesday, the Syrian government accepted a Russia-brokered ceasefire for the district.

Opposition and government negotiators are scheduled meet for UN brokered peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday, November 29. 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 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.