Syrian regime targets E. Ghouta with gas: White Helmets

By Selen Temizer and Mohamad Misto

EASTERN GHOUTA, Syria (AA) - The Assad regime has carried out a fresh chemical attack in the Duma district of Eastern Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, according to a local civil-defense agency.

Known as the “White Helmets”, the civil-defense agency reported Monday that regime forces had struck targets in Duma in a midnight attack that left no casualties.

Within the last two days, at least 25 civilians have been killed in different districts of Eastern Ghouta, including Duma (where a mosque was reportedly destroyed), Ein Tarma, Irbin and Harasta, according to the White Helmets.

Last Wednesday, Assad regime forces targeted Eastern Ghouta’s Hammuriyah district with chlorine gas, reportedly injuring several women and children.

On Feb. 24, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2401, which called for a month-long cease-fire in Syria -- especially Eastern Ghouta -- to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Despite the cease-fire resolution, however, the regime and its allies early this month launched a major ground offensive -- backed by Russian air power -- aimed at capturing opposition-held parts of Eastern Ghouta.

Home to some 400,000 people, the Damascus suburb has remained the target of a crippling regime siege for the last five years.

Earlier this month, a UN commission of inquiry released a report accusing the regime of committing war crimes in Eastern Ghouta, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians.