Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has denied dropping "indiscriminate weapons" such as barrel bombs on rebel-held areas, following the uprising against his rule which erupted in 2011.

In an exclusive interview with the BBC's Middle East Editor Jeremy Bowen, Mr Assad said his forces aimed "at terrorists in order to protect civilians".

The Syrian leader also confirmed that his country's government is receiving some general information on the US-led coalition's fight against Islamic State.

Watch the full interview here.