Syrian rebel fighters in the eastern Ghouta area July 20, 2017. (Photo Courtesy of Abdulmonam Eassa / AFP)
After the big advances by the army in eastern Ghouta, Syrian government minister said on Monday that some rebels in the area may soon leave from the opposition or accept rule by the Syrian state.
Eastern Ghouta was splintered into three separate zones by the Syrian government forces in a month-long assault to crush the last major opposition stronghold near Damascus, confronting the rebels with their biggest defeat since 2016.
Damascus and its Russian allies are offering safe passage out for those who agree to surrender territory or a reconciliation agreement for those who wish to stay under government rule.
