At least 98 people were killed as a result of air strikes and shelling, allegedly committed by the Syrian army in East Guta, a suburb of Damascus, which is under the control of the rebels.

According to human rights activists from the Syrian Human Rights Council (SOHR), there are women and children among the dead.

According to the humanitarian organization "White Helmets", the number of victims exceeds 100 people. Another 300 people were injured.

"The intensity of bombing and artillery in East Gut indicates that the attack was prepared by Syrian government troops," said SOHR head Rami Abdel Rahman.

He believes that the army thus clears the way for a ground offensive.

East Guta is one of the last territories in Syria, remaining under the control of the rebels. The city has been under siege for more than four years. In the region, about 400 thousand people are cut off from humanitarian aid. Activists point out that the population is in an extremely difficult situation. The European Union on February 19 once again called on the parties to the conflict to reduce the level of violence and ensure people's access to help.