Syrian Military Conducts Large-Scale Exercises

Syrian media say the country's military has begun large-scale military exercises involving missile tests and ground and air operations.

The state-run SANA news agency said on July 8 the military drills were due to run for several days.

The exercises began on July 7 with naval forces in a scenario where they repelled an attack from the sea.

SANA reported that the drills will also include air and ground forces over the next few days aimed at testing the "combat-preparedness of the army."

Analysts say the show of force is designed as a warning to the international community not to interfere in the Syrian crisis.

Some Syrian opposition groups have appealed to the West for foreign forces to step in to stop the conflict but Western states have shown no indications they will intervene.

Based on reporting by dpa and AP