DAMASCUS - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ordered the armed forces "to step up their state of readiness" Monday in the face of Israel's continuing offensive against his country's western neighbour, the official SANA news agency said.
The president ordered troops to "intensify their training efforts, be prepared and increase their state of readiness in the light of the international situation and the challenges in the region," SANA said.
Assad issued the new orders as the Syrian military prepared to commemorate Army Day Tuesday.
07/31/2006 19:54 GMT
Seems like Syria says that about every other day. It's almost like they are taunting to try and provoke a reaction.