Bassam Khabieh/Reuters
Syrian activists say fighting has continued in certain areas around Damascus despite a ceasefire agreement that took effect nearly two days ago. At least two civilians and five militants have been killed in the fighting over the Eastern Ghouta and Barada Valley regions, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Saturday in comments to the Associated Press. Another group has accused Russian and Syrian forces of carrying out air strikes in the Barada Valley despite the ceasefire, threatening the region’s main source of water. Although the Syrian government denied the allegations on Friday, rebel forces have warned that they will not respect the truce if the violations continue. “Continued violations by the regime and bombardment and attempts to attack areas under the control of the revolutionary factions will make the agreement null and void,” a letter signed by various rebel groups and published by Reuters said Saturday.