Syria’s Assad issues first statement after Aleppo takeover

Syrian President Bashar Assad issued his first statement after the Syrian Army announced yesterday that armed groups have “taken over large parts of the city of Aleppo”.

Assad said his country is determined to combat terrorism, and that “terrorism understands only the language of force, and with it, we will break and eliminate it,” according to statements cited by official state media.

On Saturday, President Assad spoke on the phone with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which they discussed the latest developments in Syria and several regional issues.

During the call, Assad underscored Syria’s commitment to defending its stability and territorial integrity against what he described as "terrorists and their supporters." He added that Syria, with the support of its allies and friends, is "capable of defeating and eradicating them, no matter how intense their attacks become."