The delegation of Russian lawmakers recently visited the war-torn Syrian capital of Damascus. Russian MP's noted that the situation in Damascus became calmer and more peaceful than in previous months. The armed conflict in Syria, which started in March 2011, has reportedly claimed more than 220,000 lives up until now. More than 11 million others have been forced from their homes as forces loyal to President Bashar Assad and those opposed to his rule battle each other — as well as jihadist militants from Islamic State. TASS presents images of daily life in Damascus in this photo gallery.