Damascus, March 29: Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Syria, rallying in support of President Bashar al-Assad after anti-government protests left many casualties.
The marches were held in various cities and towns on Monday and attended by hundreds of thousands of people, who called for maintaining of national unity.
Assad has been the president of Syria for the past 11 years. He took office in 2000 following the death of his father Hafez al-Assad, who was the leader of the country for three decades.
His faithful are to hold more rallies across the country on Tuesday, AFP reported. “Marches in support of President Assad and the country will be held on Tuesday in every province,” said state television director Rim Hadad.
The protests follow a rally by Lebanon-based Syrians in favor of the Damascus government, which was followed by one injury after being confronted by unknown assailants.
Authorities now say they have arrested foreign elements believed to be behind the recent unrest.
———Agencies