The Syrian army is preparing to launch a huge operation against the rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta unless the Jaish al-Islam insurgent group agrees to hand over the area.
A Syrian newspaper reported today that rebels in other parts of eastern Ghouta are leaving in convoys to insurgent-held areas in the northwest under withdrawal deals that are restoring President Bashar al-Assad’s control.
Meanwhile, The Jaish al-Islam group says it is determined to stay in Douma, where tens of thousands of civilians are surrounded by government forces.
The government says it will crush any rebels who do not agree to leave or to live under state rule.APP/AFP