Bassam Khabieh / REUTERS Free Syrian Army fighters escort a convoy of U.N. vehicles carrying a team of United Nations chemical weapons experts during their visit to one of the sites of an alleged chemical weapons attack in Damascus' suburbs of Zamalka, August 28.

Related Syrian Regime Chokes Off Food to Town That Was Gassed Wall Street Journal

A blockade now surrounds the town of Moadhamiya, seven miles outside of Damascus, one month after it was the target of a sarin gas attack that claimed up to 80 lives. The Wall Street Journal reports that government forces have encircled the rebel-held suburb, choking off food and aid to its 12,000 residents.

An activist from within the neighborhood said that food shortages had become so severe that residents have begun to forage for olives, vine leaves and mint. Red Crescent officials say that soldiers have repeatedly turned away trucks carrying aid for local residents.

Syrian officials confirmed that a siege was underway, but declined to discuss the matter further, although one pro-Assad fighter gave his personal assessment to the Journal. “Let them starve for a bit, surrender and then be put on trial,” he said.

[Wall Street Journal]