Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to "liberate every inch" of the country from groups opposed to his regime.
"Our war against terrorism carries on until it is uprooted," Assad said in a June 7 speech before the newly elected parliament, which convened for the first time since April elections that were held in government-controlled areas and boycotted by opposition forces.
Assad said the situation on the ground was much better for government forces than it was months ago.
"Our only option is victory, otherwise Syria will not continue," he said.
Russia began an aerial campaign in Syria last September, helping pro-government forces capture areas from rebels.
In March Syrian forces, backed by Russian air strikes, seized the central city of Palmyra from the Islamic State extremist group.
Based on reporting by AP, dpa, AFP, and Reuters