Syria's Assad stresses resolve to keep fighting 'terrorism'

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stressed Thursday his resolve to continue fighting "terrorism" in tandem with efforts for a political solution to the country's 26-month-old crisis, reported Xinhua citing state-run SANA news agency.

Assad made the remarks while meeting with a Tunisian delegation, to whom he said his administration will keep fighting "terrorism" and "those who back it" in parallel with embracing a political approach to end the crisis.

The president's remarks came as the Syrian troops are making strides in their fight against the rebels, especially in the central strategic city of al-Qussair where battles are crucial for both sides.

Local media have said fierce battles are underway in northwestern al-Qussair where the army has been advancing for the fifth consecutive day.