A second convoy with desperately needed aid for the besieged rebel-held eastern suburbs of Damascus is postponed on Thursday because of violence and a rapidly evolving situation on the ground, the International Committee of the Red Cross says.
The postponement comes as Syrian government forces intensify their offensive on the area, known as eastern Ghouta, under the cover of airstrikes.
This photo released by the Syrian Red Crescent shows a convoy of vehicles of the Syrian Red Crescent arriving at Douma, eastern Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, Syria, Monday, March 5, 2018. (Syrian Red Crescent via AP)
The government forces seized more than half of the area, including a stretch of farmland on Wednesday, effectively dividing the besieged enclave in two and further squeezing the rebels and tens of thousands of civilians trapped inside, state media and a war monitor report.
The most densely populated areas in eastern Ghouta are still under rebel control, including the towns of Douma, Harasta, Kfar Batna, Saqba and Hammouriyeh.
— AP
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, March 8, 2018
