Clashes erupt west of Syrian capital following long truce

After a long truce, clashes erupted Tuesday between the Syrian army and armed "rebels" in a western town of the capital Damascus, eye witnesses told Xinhua.

Sounds of shelling were heard echoing from Qudsaya, as the armed rebels have engaged in a shootout with military checkpoints besieging the area.

It wasn't immediately clear what has triggered the gun battle that was followed by shelling on the rebel positions inside Qudsaya.

The area has witnessed a truce over the past few months, amid ongoing efforts to establish a full reconciliation.

However, several security issues have taken place in Qudsaya, prompting the Syrian forces to strike a siege on that area.

Government employees were allowed to leave and enter the town on foot, with very few food supplies allowed during the months-long siege.

It's believed that the siege was one of the main purpose behind Tuesday's escalation.

Last May, Minister of National Reconciliation Ali Haidar visited the town's government institutions amid reports that the situation was becoming better.

Now, people in nearby areas in western Damascus are hearing the sounds of shelling.

Further details about the escalating violence are still forthcoming.
  [Xinhua -globaltimes.cn]
17/8/16