Syrian forces in full control of Eastern Ghouta after rebels’ evacuation

Syrian government forces are close to taking full control of Eastern Ghouta, the last rebel-held area near the capital, Damascus.

Two out of three rebel groups that had been controlling the enclave have already surrendered, with thousands of fighters and their relatives departing for opposition-held areas in the north of the country.

The third rebel group, Jaish al-Islam, which controls the city of Douma, has so far refused to give in.

However, it is understood that Jaish al-Islam is also close to reaching an evacuation deal following negotiations with the Russian army, an ally of Syrian forces.