Syrian president appears in public to mark Eid

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad appeared in public on Thursday at a mosque in Damascus to mark the Muslim religious holiday of Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice.

The president went to Al-Adel mosque in the Syrian capital, where he participated in a prayer with government and religious leaders, EFE news reported.

A sermon was delivered by Sheikh Ahmad Samer al-Qabani, head of the Damascus Endowments, where he praised the work of the soldiers and "martyrs".

Al-Qabani emphasised that the Syrian people have performed "miracles" and have shown a high level of awareness and resistance to "the conspiracy which targets the country."

Speaking to Al-Assad, Al-Qabani said that Syrians have promised to continue to fight with him against the enemy.

Since the conflict began in Syria in March 2011, Assad has rarely made public appearances. He only appears during festivals.