Syrian Forces Deny Reports of Striking Damascus Suburb School

A source in the Syrian Armed Forces called reports of alleged Syrian government airstrikes on a school and hospital in Deir Asafir, 3 miles southeast of the outskirts of Damascus, "false."

DAMASCUS (Sputnik) – Reports of alleged Syrian government airstrikes on a Damascus suburb school are false, a source in the Syrian Armed Forces told RIA Novosti on Friday.

The US State Department said Thursday it was "appalled" by reported government airstrikes on a school and hospital in Deir Asafir, 3 miles southeast of the outskirts of Damascus, allegedly killing and injuring dozens.

"The Syrian air force does not bomb schools. Moreover, the air force did not operate in Deir Asafir yesterday," the source said, arguing that "false media reports such as these attempt to destabilize the situation in Syria to undermine the cessation of hostilities."

The truce between Syrian government and rebel forces took effect on February 27 and has been described as largely holding despite minor violations. The Islamic State or Daesh and the Nusra Front, the terrorist groups banned in multiple countries including Russia, do not fall under the cessation of hostilities negotiated between Moscow and Washington.