Failaq al-Rahman, key rebel group fighting regime forces in Eastern Ghouta suburbs, said on Wednesday it had ambushed army’s elite forces for the fourth time in two weeks near the capital, leaving 20 soldiers killed, spokesman said.
The elite forces of Fourth Armoured Division have been facing fierce resistance in Ein Tarma town by rebels who oppose Russia’s ceasefire deal. About 50 troops were killed last week, said Wael Alwan, spokesman for Faylaq al-Rahman.
Parts of Eastern Ghouta are protected by a cease-fire agreement. The regime has largely targeted areas held by rebel factions not party to that agreement.
Last week, regime airstrikes on Kafr Batna and Zamalka left 8 people killed, including children, Civil Defense, local rescuing group, said. Activists said more than 15 surface-to surface missiles had pounded Ein Tarma and Zamalka.
Meanwhile, Russia's Hemeimim base in coastal Latakia city indicated on its Facebook page the possibility of brokering a new de-escalation deal in Eastern Ghouta.
According to the base, the agreement aims to "stop the bloody battles between the conflicting parties in the eastern part of the capital Damascus in light of the increase in violence and measured by the current results."
It is expected that the agreement will include a time limit for factions in the region to "finalize their fate" without giving further details.
