According to EuroNews, Assad stated that after the U.S. withdrawal from the country Turkey would attempt to control the region which is under the forces and the only choice for the forces would be to negotiate with the central government in Damascus.

He further stressed that no one but the Syrian army would aid and protect the forces, continuing to say that “you have nowhere to go and would turn into (Turkey) slaves if you do not prepare yourselves to defend Syria.”

He also warned Damascus would not let Turkey-backed groups to deal with the national constitution as the constitution would decide the fate of Syria.

Reporter’s code: 50101