Syrian Gov’t Grants Amnesty to Hundreds of Militants in Damascus Province

The sources said that 680 militants that had laid down arms and applied for government pardoning in the town of Sarqaya were granted amnesty on Sunday.

The sources added that the Damascus government also pardoned 600 ex-militants that had joined peace agreement with the Syrian government in Sarqaya yesterday.

They went on to say that completion of the peace process in Sarqaya has paved the way for government bodies and services to revive operation in the town.

Earlier this month, Syrian President Bashar Assad extended a decree on amnesty for militants who surrender and hand over their weapons until the end of June.

The decree 15/2016 dated July 28, 2016 was extended by President Assad until June 30, 2017, according to a state news agency report.

The above-mentioned order was initially issued for the period of three months and on October 27, 2016 was prolonged for the same period. The amnesty also covers kidnappers who agree to release their hostages.

Since 2011, Syria has been engaged in war against terrorism, with government forces fighting against numerous militant and terrorist groups, including al-Nusra Front (also known as Fatah al-Sham front) and ISIL.