The remarks reflect that despite pressure on multiple fronts, Assad is seeking to consolidate control after seven years of civil war. The United States, which supports the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, operates air bases and outposts in the Kurdish-administered region. In the TV interview, Assad maintained there are no Iranian troops in Syria, only Iranian officers advising the Syrian army. The US and Russia, while backing rival sides in Syria’s war, have coordinated their maneuvers in Syria and largely avoided direct confrontation. In the interview, Assad said US and Russian forces would have come in direct conflict long ago in Syria if it were not for Russia’s prudence and judgment.

Source: Pakistan Today May 31, 2018 09:45 UTC