BEIRUT, August 1. /TASS/. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has voiced confidence that Syrian officers and soldiers are able "to confront terrorist gangs and defeat them."
"The Syrian army has been a pillar of stability and security in Syria and the entire Middle East, a citadel protecting the country, its sovereignty and national dignity," Assad said in his message to military service members on the 71st anniversary of the Syrian armed forces. The full text of the message has been published in the Jaish al-Shaab (the Army of the People) military magazine on Monday.
"Syrian army soldiers have been displaying heroism for the fifth year in a row defending their Motherland, its workers and civilians from the terrorist aggression, the most violent throughout the history of our country. Neo-colonialism plans fall apart against our endurance and unity," the Syrian leader said.
Assad added that Syria "has now entered a crucial period in its history, which requires from all its sons willingness to double their efforts for the sake of victory and the bright future that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people."
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