Liberation of Syria from Terrorists to Boost Regional Security: Iran’s Defense Minister

Brigadier General Hatami, who is on an official visit to Damascus at the head of a high-ranking delegation, met with his Syrian counterpart, General Ali Abdullah Ayyoub, on Sunday, discussing the latest major regional and bilateral issues.

Speaking at the meeting, the Iranian defense minister congratulated Syria on the recent victories of the country’s army and allied forces against Takfiri terrorists and said the campaign managed to thwart the threat posed by terrorists to the people of the region and the world. 

“I believe that complete liberation of Syria from the hands of terrorists will contribute to the security of the entire region,” Brigadier General Hatami said, adding that it will take away any excuse from foreigners to intervene in the affairs of the region.

The Syrian defense minister, for his part, expressed his gratitude to Tehran for supporting Damascus and said, “Through this cooperation and by the blood of the martyrs, we were able to eliminate this sinister terrorist ring and foil the conspiracies of the enemies.” 

The remarks came as Syrian forces continue to reclaim much of southern parts of the country and are poised to soon launch an offensive in Idlib, one of the last remaining areas outside of Damascus’ control.

Encouraged by the Syrian Army’s gains and the somewhat improving economic conditions in the country, over 13,000 Syrian refugees have returned home so far this year from Lebanon alone, with thousands more also returning from other neighboring countries.

Syria has been gripped by civil war since March 2011 with various terrorist groups, including Daesh (also known as ISIS or ISIL), currently fighting against the central government.

In the meantime, Iran has remained a close ally of Syria and supports its legitimate government in the face of foreign-backed militancy.