DAMASCUS. Feb 28 (Interfax) - A group of 300 civilians gathered at the entrance of the Eastern Ghouta humanitarian passage but failed to reach Muhayam al-Wafidin because of mortar attacks by terrorists, Maj. Gen. Vladimir Zolotukhin of the Russian center for reconciliation of opposing sides in Syria told Russian reporters.
"According to the information received several hours ago, more than 300 people gathered on the northeastern outskirts of Duma in the morning but failed to reach the humanitarian passage because of Jaysh al-Islam's gunfire. The passage has been twice shelled by mortars since the beginning of the humanitarian truce. The fire was coming from the side of Haush-Mubarak. Luckily, no one was hurt," Zolotukhin said.
"Tensions persist in the vicinity of the humanitarian passage," Zolotukhin said.
"The second humanitarian truce took effect from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. today," he said.
"Muhayam al-Wafidin, where the humanitarian passage has been set up, is ready to receive civilians, including the sick and the wounded evacuated from Eastern Ghouta. The civilians and patients will be taken by bus to a shelter in ad-Duar, which is located six kilometers to the southeast," Zolotukhin said.
Ad-Duar has a first-aid station and a facility providing hot food. People with severe conditions and the injured can be admitted to public hospitals nearby. Six ambulance teams are on standby for that purpose.
Servicemen of the Russian center for reconciliation of opposing sides in Syria and representatives of the Syrian authorities are also ready to receive civilians from Eastern Ghouta and help them.