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Jaysh al-Islam group resumes attacks against Syrian forces in Douma

Former leaders of the group were physically eliminated, Head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation Major-General Yuri Yevtushenko said

MOSCOW, April 7. /TASS/. Jaysh al-Islam members have resumed attacks against governmental forces in the city of Douma after new leaders seized power in the group, Head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Warring Parties (part of Defense Ministry) Major-General Yuri Yevtushenko said on Saturday.

The withdrawal of militants and their family members from Douma has been suspended as "extremists have resumed military attacks against Syrian governmental forces over the past 24 hours," he said.

"As a result of sharp contradictions among odious militants and those who were ready for negotiations, the former leaders of the group were physically eliminated," after which Jaysh al-Islam violated the agreements on withdrawal from Douma and cut off civilians from the humanitarian corridor, Yevtushenko said.

"Yesterday the situation in the city of Douma deteriorated sharply. Militants of the Jaysh al-Islam group attacked the positions of governmental forces, resumed mortar and missiles attacks at Damascus. Over the past two days residential areas of the capital were shelled with 25 mortar bombs and rocket-propelled missiles, which killed seven and wounded 42 civilians," he said.

According to Yevtushenko, currently "Syrian governmental forces are liberating the city of Douma from uncompromising rebel groups."

In all, 157,255 people have left Eastern Ghouta since the humanitarian pauses were declared, while 33,345 people have been evacuated from Douma.