Hostages Freed. Major Highway Unblocked. Terrorists Run for Their LIves. Syria’s Changing for Good
Even today, one doesn't simply avoid speaking about the Middle East. Today, the Syrian government army announced that it had unblocked the main highway which links Damascus to the main provinces. The highway had been blocked for the last seven years after Eastern Ghouta had been occupied by terrorists. First, today, the Russian Reconciliation Center helped to free eight hostages there captured by the Jabhat Al-Nusra militants. Secondly, by this Saturday, 150,000 civilians managed to escape Eastern Ghouta, leave alone militants who fled the region as well. Let's hope, Syria's changing for good.
Mikhail Fedotov has the details.
A checkpoint on the way out of Arbin one of the occupied cities of Eastern Ghouta. Several buses come one after another with Al-Rakhman Legion terrorists, their wives, and kids inside. After the long negotiations, terrorists are running for their lives from the enclave on the outskirts of Damascus. Search is mandatory at the checkpoint. Militants are allowed to take only their personal belongings one rifle and one clip. The Syrian and Russian military police are conducting the search. They confiscate handguns, ammo, cartridge belts, grenades from the militants. After that, they are free to go. About 40,000 militants and their relatives have been transported to Idlib.
Yuri Yevtushenko, Russian Reconciliation Center: "Our Reconciliation Center and the Russian military police are continuing the evacuation of the illegal military group called Al-Rakhman Legion from Eastern Ghouta. Today, 2,307 militants and 3,869 family members were evacuated from Arbin, Zamalka, and Jobar controlled by the grouping."
The Jaysh Al-Islam group is reported to surrender as well. The Army of Islam occupies Duma, the largest city of Eastern Ghouta. After they surrender, the oasis around the capital will come under the control of the government.
Kafr Batna. A suburb of Damascus. It was liberated just a week ago and is now beginning to live peacefully. Cars and motorcycles are driving on the streets, and people are reclaiming their houses.
"Terrorists had an observation post here and we lived in the basement. Now, we're repairing our house".
First of all, EOD specialists checked the district. Now, there is water and electricity supply. Street shops and grocery stores are opening. However, most buildings are in ruins.
Mikhail Fedotov, Azat Atagonov, and Igor Vologdin for Vesti from Syria.