Members of the Lebanese Hezbollah militia have prevented Russian officers from entering the Wadi Barada region near Damascus to monitor violations of the ceasefire committed by regime affiliated militias, local sources reported.

The Wadi Barada media committee said the region’s elders had contacted the Russians and invited them to visit the region and assess water infrastructure damaged by clashes.

According to the sources, the Russians agreed and sent a delegation of four officers, but a checkpoint belonging to Hezbollah prevented them from entering the area.

Syrian regime forces have been fighting to retake the area which contains the main source of water for Damascus.