In a speech marking the 66th anniversary of the Syrian army's formation, SANA cited the embattled leader as saying that the military "proved its loyalty to its people, country and creed.

"Its efforts and sacrifices will be admired," he was cited as saying, adding that "these sacrifices succeeded in foiling the enemies of the country and ending sedition, preserving Syria."

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011