Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Thursday that his military would prevail despite the tries of rebels and pressure from the international community.
“Had we in Syria not been confident of victory, we wouldn’t have been able to resist” rebel uprisings for the past two years, Mr. Assad said in a public statement to mark the nation’s Army Day, the Associated Press reported.
To his military, he said: “You have shown the whole world that pressure and conspiracies, no matter how tough and varied, will only make you even more determined to confront challenges.” And to his supporters, he claimed that “the secret of our legendary steadfastness” was his bond with the people of Syria and with his army, the Times of Israel reported.
Rebel forces have attempted to oust Mr. Assad from power for more than two years. The latest estimates are that at least 100,000 have been killed in the conflict.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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