Syrian president Bashar al-Assad on Monday claimed the upper hand in what he described as a “turning point” in the country’s civil war, reports the BBC.

Government forces loyal to Assad have been gradually reclaiming rebel-held towns near the border of Lebanon for the last few months. The president’s army has also managed to secure Syria’s main north-south highway, allowing them to cut off crucial supplies to the rebels. Assad claimed this showed his forces winning what he called the “war against terror.”

“This is a turning point in the crisis,” said Assad. The president is expected to announce soon that he will run for a third term in office.

Since the civil war between rebels and pro-government forces erupted in Syria over two years ago, more than 150,000 people have been killed and millions more have been driven out of their homes.

[BBC]

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