douma

Douma is a city in eastern Ghouta, within the Rif Dimashq Governorate of Syria. It lies about 10 to 15 kilometers northeast of Damascus and has been a major town in the Ghouta region. Before the Syrian Civil War, Douma was one of the most populous towns in eastern Ghouta and served as an administrative and economic center for nearby communities.

During the Syrian Civil War, Douma became a focal point of fighting and humanitarian concern as control over the eastern Ghouta area shifted among government forces and various opposition groups. The conflict led to extensive destruction, large-scale displacement, and long-running humanitarian needs for residents and civilians in the area. In 2013, the Ghouta region, including Douma, was the site of internationally reported chemical weapon attacks that prompted global responses and investigations. In 2018, Douma again drew international attention after a reported chemical attack in the town, contributing to broader international actions and discussions about response and accountability. Following these events, government forces regained control of Douma as part of campaigns to retake eastern Ghouta, and reconstruction and stabilization efforts began in the years that followed.

As of the early 2020s, Douma has been the site of rebuilding and stabilization efforts, with many residents displaced during the war either returning gradually or seeking to rebuild their livelihoods elsewhere. The city's post-war status continues to be tied to the overall security, governance, and reconstruction dynamics of the Damascus region.