Syria's Armed Forces have started large-scale war games, its state-run news agency says, simulating defense against outside attacks.

The exercises are an apparent warning to other countries not to intervene in the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's rule.

The exercise began Saturday with Naval Forces in a scenario where they repelled an attack from the sea, and will include Air and Ground Forces over the next few days, SANA said. State TV broadcast footage of missiles being fired from launch vehicles and warships.

Syrian Defense Minister Dawood Rajiha attended the maneuvers and praised the “exceptional performance” of the Naval Forces which showed “a high level of combat training and ability to defend Syria's shores against any possible aggression.”

“The Navy carried out the training successfully, repelling the hypothetical attack and striking at given targets with high precision,” the report said.

An Iranian official also has warned of a “catastrophe” in the Middle East if no political solution is found to the 16-month crisis.

Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian also says Syria has a strong Army and is able to defend itself from attack alone without Iran's help.

Iran is Syria's closest ally and has stood by President Bashar Assad's regime through the uprising.

Abdollahian spoke at a press conference in Amman, Jordan, Sunday.

 

Source: SANA; AP