DAMASCUS(Syrian presidency via Ruptly) — Syrian President Bashar al-Assad vowed that “the battle of liberating the countryside of Aleppo and Idlib will continue”, adding that his government would “liberate every inch of the Syrian soil”, during a televised address in Damascus on Monday.

The Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) has regained control of towns and villages surrounding Aleppo following an extensive offensive against militants. The government forces have also reclaimed full control of the strategic M5 highway connecting Aleppo, in the north of the country, and Damascus in the south.

In his address, Assad delared that the SAA victory in the Aleppo countryside were a “prelude” to the militants’ “complete defeat”. He said: “We are fully aware that this liberation does not mean the end of the war”, adding “it certainly means we have rubbed their noses in the dirt as a prelude to their complete defeat, sooner or later.”