Syria: Army planning large assault on Douma March 28 /update 9

Event

The Syrian army is reportedly planning a large assault on Douma, the last rebel-held city in Eastern Ghouta, as of Wednesday, March 28. According to pro-Syrian media, the army will launch the offensive unless Jaysh Al-Islam, the opposition group controlling the city, agrees to surrender and evacuate the area in ongoing Russia-brokered negotiations; regarding the talks and potential military offensive, an anonymous Syrian government official has said that the next two days will be "decisive" for Douma. Heavy clashes between Jaysh Al-Islam fighters and Syrian regime forces, backed by Russian military forces, are expected in the coming days unless an agreement is met between the parties in the ongoing negotiations.

Context

According to Syrian state media, over 125,000 people have fled Eastern Ghouta since the beginning of the regime offensive on the area on February 18. As of March 28, around 70,000 people remain encircled by regime forces in Douma, per UN officials. The Ghouta area was one of the last strongholds of Syrian opposition fighters in the Damascus region.

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.