Syria’s Assad vows to continue fight against ‘terrorism’

Syria’s President Bashar Assad says his country’s war on terrorism will continue as long as there is “a single terrorist” on Syrian territories.

Assad’s comments were published on the official presidency Telegram channel. Assad says the war on terrorism will go side by side with his efforts to stand up to “western scenarios that aim to undermine the country’s unity and sovereignty.”

The Syrian conflict enters its eighth year this week. What started as protests against the Syrian government in March 2011 progressed into an armed conflict that drew regional and international powers as well as foreign militant fighters. The conflict has torn the country apart.

The Syrian government calls all opposition groups “terrorists” and accuses the US, European countries, Gulf countries and Turkey of seeking to divide Syria. Russia and Iran have been strong backers of Assad, helping him in his bid to regain control of territories.

— AP