A/HRC/39/65 15 April. Following several rounds of talks brokered under the aegis of the Russian Federation, pro-government forces and representatives of armed groups in the presence of local council members reached a temporary ceasefire on 18 April with a view to facilitate further negotiations. Clashes intensified on 29 and 30 April, however, primarily affecting civilians in Rastan and Talbiseh towns. 33. On 8 April, pro-government militia members in Masharafah launched a ground attack at approximately 5 p.m. on a road near Makramiyah village, killing four family members, including an infant, and injuring three other siblings, the youngest aged 5 years. Similarly, on 23 April, pro-government militia members struck the Dhahabiyah site for internally displaced persons situated 4 km from Zafarana, killing an 18-year-old and a child, and injuring two men. According to victims and witnesses, there were no military installations located in the areas. 34. Increased violence marked the weeks preceding negotiations in May, particularly on 29 and 30 April. Civilians recalled that shelling was so heavy they sought refuge underground, while others fled on bicycles and on foot. On 29 April, at approximately 10.25 a.m., pro-government forces launched airstrikes against the surgical hospital in Zafarana, supported by the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations. Minutes later, at 10.30 a.m., the primary health-care point was damaged in a second attack. On 30 April, pro-government forces launched airstrikes against a medical facility in Rastan, rendering it inoperable; no warnings were issued prior to the attacks. Government forces declared the area recaptured on 15 May. 35. The Commission finds that the attacks by pro-government militia members on 8 and 23 April described above constituted the war crime of launching indiscriminate attacks, and contravened the right to life, liberty and security of person. The attacks by pro-government forces on 29 and 30 April described above constitute the war crime of deliberately attacking protected objects. Damascus and Rif Damascus governorates 36. Pro-government forces continued to lay siege to both eastern Ghouta12 and Yarmouk camp during the period under review. A series of unlawful attacks, characterized by an escalation in aerial and ground offensives to retake the areas, were carried out against both sites. To recapture eastern Ghouta in April, government forces launched numerous indiscriminate attacks in densely populated civilian areas, 13 which included the use of chemical weapons.14 Attacks by pro-government forces on eastern Ghouta were frequently met with reprisal violence perpetrated by besieged armed groups (see annex II).15 37. Government forces and/or affiliated militias launched a series of ground attacks in Douma, eastern Ghouta on 22 January and 1 February. The locations attacked were in Karm al-Rasas, near Douma stadium and 150 m from Harasta. Victims and witnesses described Karm al-Rasas as a residential neighbourhood inhabited by civilians, some 800 m from the closest frontline. Both series of attacks were carried out between approximately 5 and 6.30 a.m. The first attack on 22 January injured six children, seven women, and eight men, while the second on 1 February injured three women. 38. In both incidents, victims and witnesses, including treating medical staff, described strikingly similar symptoms, including but not limited to respiratory distress, coughing, burning eyes, throat irritation and nausea. Witnesses consistently recalled the distinctive smell of chlorine at the affected sites and on victims’ clothing. Some witnesses described a scent similar to bleach and household detergents, though more pungent. 39. Witnesses also described a slow-acting agent. One witness recalled how, upon recognizing the smell of chlorine, he had had just enough time to rouse those nearby, to wet 12 13 14 15 8 See A/HRC/38/CRP.3. Ibid., paras. 38–43. Ibid., paras. 37–40 and 90–91. Ibid., paras. 53–57.