Iran's top military commander said Iran and Syria will be committed to the UN resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire across Syria but mopping-up operations against "terrorists" holing up in Damascus suburbs would continue.
Chairman of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri told Tasnim News Agency on Sunday that "some parts of Damascus suburbs that are under terrorists' control are not included in the ceasefire [regime] and clean-up operations will continue [in those areas]."
The UN Security Council unanimously demanded a 30-day ceasefire across Syria, including the Eastern Ghouta enclave, on Saturday to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries and medical evacuations, but the measure did not specify when the truce would go into force beyond saying it should be "without delay".
The enclave, east of the Syrian capital, has made headlines in recent days as the Syrian Army has launched a military offensive, codenamed "Damascus Steel," in a bid to clear the region of terrorist units, predominantly Jaysh al-Islam, but also Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly known as al-Nusra Front), and Ahrar al-Sham.
The offensive came after the terrorist groups stationed there—who have practically stopped more than 400,000 people, many on the verge of starvation, from leaving the place by laying heavy siege around the town— refused to surrender and engaged in foot-dragging negotiations while attacking the capital in the meantime.
Mortar Attacks
Baqeri defended the Syrian offensive, saying "the Syrian Army intends to cleanse the area of these terrorists so that security can be restored to Damascus."
He added that so far more than 1,200 mortar attacks have been launched by the terrorist groups toward Damascus, killing many people including children, which has significantly jeopardized the safety of people living there.
"Therefore, the clean-up operations must continue," he underlined.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Army attacks on terrorists in Eastern Ghouta have exacerbate the humanitarian situation—which was already in a precarious situation— in the region, leaving more than 500 dead, according to western media.
Mainstream media were quick to yet again accuse Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of crimes against humanity, setting forth the West's one-sided position, while at the same time refusing to take into account the Syrian government's arguments and recognize the complexity of the situation.
The same media have also heavily criticized the Syrian government for inaction regarding breaking the siege of Ghouta, while totally ignoring the persistent terrorist attacks on the capital launched from the enclave.
Biased Stance
Baqeri slammed the biased approach of the "western bloc and supporters of terrorists" toward the issue, noting that they were seeking an inclusive ceasefire to create breathing room for "well-known terrorists". He said the resolution, after joint efforts by Syria's allies Iran and Russia, was modified to allow for attacks against such terrorists.
As a result, the top commander said, some places were designated for no-bombing so that people can stay away from the fighting.
"But this is not to say that this terrorist front will stay. In the next few months, the whole Syrian territory will be cleansed of terrorists," Baqeri concluded.
