Assad: Operation in Daraa to end soon
Syrian president says events similar to those in his country can happen anywhere in the world
Syria's president says the military operation in a southern city at the heart of the country's uprising will end "very soon."
In a meeting with representatives from northeast Syria, Bashar Assad added that events similar to those in Syria can happen anywhere in the world.
Meanwhile, the SANA news agency reported that the military operation in Daraa continues.
A security source told the agency that more members of armed terrorist groups have been arrested in Daraa and that a large amount of weapons was found in various locations in and around the city.
The source added that the arrests were made while the army continued it operation in the Daraa area.
Anti-Assad protest in Daraa (Photo: Reuters)
The city of Daraa has been under military siege since April 25 as protests that started out as demands for reforms seven weeks ago mushroomed into calls for Bashar Assad's ouster.
Rights groups say at least 545 Syrians have been killed in the uprising.
Assad's remarks were reported in the private Al Watan daily on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, activists say security forces fired tear gas late Tuesday in the northern city of Aleppo to disperse hundreds of students rallying and calling for an end to Daraa's siege.
The activists spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing government reprisals. They say many protesters were later detained.
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