Rival Syrian rebel factions end infighting in East Ghouta

Rebel factions Jaysh al-Islam and Faylaq al-Rahman - a faction of the Free Syrian Army, have come to an agreement to stop infighting which claimed the lives and injured dozens of Syrians in Ghouta.  

The two groups signed a joint declaration of principles comprising six points to put an end to the fighting.

The two sides agreed on prohibiting the use of arms, releasing detainees, opening public roads and returning seized properties to their owners.

The rebel factions also agreed to the formation of an independent tribunal to look into assassinations that have been carried out by both sides.  

They pledged to protect the unity of East Ghouta through cooperation and coordination to protect the military fronts.

Clashes reportedly started over checkpoints organised by rival rebel militias in the area.

It culminated in firefights between Jaish al-Islam, and Feelaq al-Rahman and Jaish al-Fustat militias, which have left dozens of fighters dead.

Eastern Ghouta is dominated by Jaish al-Islam, one of the best performing rebel groups in the war who have repelled numerous regime offensives into the Damascus countryside.

The area has seen some of the most horrific regime attacks on civilians, with Ghouta witnessing two likely chemical weapons attacks in 2013, which left hundreds dead.

Following a failed attack on the area on Monday night, Russia has called for a 72-hour cease-fire, or a "regime of silence", in Eastern Ghouta and Daraya.