Head of Syria's Catholic Church backs Syrian state in fight against Assad loyalists

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - The head of Syria's Catholic Church on Friday expressed support for the Syrian state in its efforts to combat elements loyal to the ousted Assad regime that seek to destabilize the country.

In a statement, Bishop Hanna Jallouf affirmed "support for the Syrian state in fighting those who don't want the good for the country and seek to destabilize it."

"We affirm the territorial integrity of Syria and emphasize the necessity for the state to regain control over all its territories, and we also reject any attempts to divide the country," he added.

Military and security forces from various parts of Syria converged on Thursday to assist in countering the largest assault by Assad loyalists in the coastal town of Jableh and its surrounding areas, resulting in the deaths to 11 members of the Syrian army.

Gayyas Delle, commander of a part of the deposed regime forces and involved in ambushing security forces, announced the formation of a military council aimed at overthrowing the current government.

Bashar Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party’s regime, which had been in power since 1963.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period on Jan. 29.