SMOKE rises from Eastern Ghouta following fresh air strikes. Attacks on the rebel-held enclave continued despite a five-hour “humanitarian pause” ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday the halt was decided in agreement with Syrian forces and is intended to help civilians leave and to evacuate the sick and wounded. The UN estimates 400,000 people live in Eastern Ghouta, the last stronghold near Damascus held by rebels seeking to topple Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.