Syrians forced to leave E. Ghouta for regime-held areas

By Mohamad Misto and Adham Kako

EASTERN GHOUTA, Syria (AA) - The Syrian regime and its allies have forced over 3,000 people in Eastern Ghouta’s Hamouriyah neighborhood to relocate to regime-controlled areas, local sources have said.

According to Anadolu Agency correspondents based in the region, civilian residents of the Damascus suburb were forced to relocate or face the threat of arrest.

Earlier this week, regime forces effectively cut Eastern Ghouta into three distinct parts, later capturing the Hamouriyah neighborhood where it has since carried out several attacks on civilian areas.

The latest moves come despite a UN Security Council resolution adopted last month calling for a month-long cease-fire in Syria -- especially Eastern Ghouta -- to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Home to some 400,000 civilian residents, Eastern Ghouta has remained the target of a crippling regime siege for the last five years.