The main rebel group in East Ghouta discusses ceasefire

With the Syrian army and its allies on the point of a capturing East Ghouta, east of Damascus, Fallaq al-Rahman, the leading rebel group still holding out in the southern pocket of the enclave has entered into negotiation “to guarantee the safety of civilians.” DEBKAfile: They are in fact negotiations for surrender. Syrian government forces have split East Ghouta into three besieged zones in one of the bloodiest offensives of the civil war. Hundreds of civilians have died in ruthless Syrian bombardment in the month-long operation. According to UN estimates, at least 25,000 civilians have fled the enclave in the past week, many on foot with their belongings on their backs.