Syrian nation’s resistance frustrated enemies: Iran deputy FM

An Iranian deputy foreign minister has congratulated the Syrian nation on the Syrian army’s overwhelming victories against foreign-backed terrorist networks fighting in the country such as the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.

“The Syrian people have frustrated the enemies with their resistance,” Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Thursday.

Over the past few days, Syrian security forces have inflicted major losses on foreign-backed militants in the strategic western city of Qusayr, which has been the scene of fierce clashes between the two sides.

On May 21, the senior commander of the terrorist al-Nusra Front, Abu Omar, along with scores of other anti-Damascus forces were killed in the battle with government forces.

Amir-Abdollahian also denied the allegations that Iran is providing military support to the Syrian army, saying that the Arab country does not need such help.

He made the comments a day after 11 countries issued a statement during a meeting of the so-called “Friends of Syria” group in Jordan, claiming that the Islamic Republic is providing military assistance to the Syrian forces.

Amir-Abdollahian stressed, however, “We firmly support Syria in its fight against the vicious phenomenon of terrorism and international organized crimes against this country.”

The Iranian official added that Iran will keep up efforts to stop the violence in Syria and promote national dialogue between representatives of the Syrian government and the main opposition groups which believe in a political solution to Syria crisis.

Unrest has gripped Syria for over two years and many people, including large numbers of Syrian security personnel, have lost their lives in the foreign-sponsored militancy.

On May 18, President Bashar al-Assad said militants from 29 different countries were fighting against the government in different parts of Syria.

Western powers and their regional allies including the Israeli regime, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have joined forces in supporting the armed militant groups in Syria.