Syrian minister tells army recruits they are Assad’s heroes

Syrian Minister of Interior Lt. Gen. Mohammad al-Shaar described the Syrian forces engaged in conflict with rebels as “heroes” in video broadcast on Syrian state television on Wednesday.

Shaar is seen watching military drills and presiding over a graduation ceremony at a location near Damascus.

“We are optimistic that you joined the interior security forces with your braveness, strength, and training and will, which can make miracles. We are honored that you have joined the interior security forces. You have graduated from this department that makes heroes, led by President Bashar al-Assad,” the minister told the troops.

The Syrian state news agency SANA said Shaar told the military graduates that the country would emerge stronger in its battle with the rebels.

He said the U.S. was protecting Israel’s security and monopolizing Arab petroleum through the escalation of conflicts in the region, SANA said, Shaar apparently referring to the one in his own country.

Syrian rebels have made military gains during the past two weeks, storming and taking army bases across Syria.

The advances have exposed Assad's loss of control in northern and eastern regions, despite the deployment of devastating air power.

Two car bombs killed at least 34 people in a district of Damascus loyal to Assad on Wednesday, the deadliest attack in the Syrian capital in months.

Once a bastion of security in Assad's 20-month campaign to rush the uprising against his rule, Damascus has been hit with increasing regularity as the rebels grow bolder.

The death toll in the conflict has reached 40,000, including soldiers civilians and rebels.
Syria has been condemned for a majority of human rights abuses in the country by United Nations investigators and, on Tuesday (November 27), by a U.N. General Assembly committee. Damascus denies abuse, saying such charges are politically motivated.

International Syria mediator Lakhdar Brahimi is due to brief the 15-member council on Thursday and the U.N. General Assembly on Friday.

There is diplomatic deadlock between Western powers, who broadly support the opposition and Assad's supporters Russia and China which have blocked Security Council action.