Russian Defense Ministry: 4 checkpoints, 14 observation posts set up to monitor de-escalation zones in Eastern Ghouta and south Syria

he Russian Defense Ministry announced Monday it has set up 2 checkpoints and 10 observation centers along the borders of a de-escalation zone in southwest Syria and other 2 checkpoints and 4 observation posts in the Eastern Ghouta in Damascus.

Head of the Main Operations’ Department at Russia’s General Staff, Lieutenant-General Sergei Rudskoi said that on July 21 and 22, Russia has deployed its military police to monitor the agreed-upon de-escalation areas in south-west Syria and today in the Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus.

Rudskoi noted that the Russian procedures succeeded in halting the combating activities in two important areas which will contribute to maintaining ceasefire, facilitating the movement of humanitarian aid convoys and the return of displaced Syrians.

He pointed out to the ongoing efforts to establish a de-escalation zone in the countryside of Idleb province after which the Astana meetings on Syria will be resumed.

The Russian official noted that the guarantor countries signed an agreement on forming a joint working group to reduce tension in Syria, adding that the first meeting is expected to be held in the beginning of August.

Rudskoy revealed that since Early June, 508 Cities and towns joined the cessation of hostilities agreement, adding “Thus, the total number of reconciled settlements reached 2043.”

He said that the Russian warplanes conducted at least 2,000 sorties and carried out 5850 airstrikes on terrorist targets in Syria during the last two months.

Rudskoi added that the Russian forces have used high-precision long-ranged weapons, recalling to minds that 10 terrorist targets were destroyed by Kalibr cruise missiles and strikes of the Tu-95MC strategic bomber