"Countries hostile towards Syria continue defending terrorists, who use civilians as live shields," the statement reads.

The Syrian head of state has once again expressed his determination to drive out “terrorists” from his country.

Ali Larijani said that Iran would continue supporting Syria's war against terrorism and expressed hope that the Syrian people will be able to free their land.

Earlier in the day, prior to his flight to Damascus, Larijani said that Syria had shown that the Axis of Resistance – Iran’s sphere of influence in the Middle East – is pursuing “good objectives.”

The Syrian government’s campaign to retake the last rebel-held province of Idlib has been met with resistance by Turkey, which maintains a strong presence in the region.

The day before, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded that Syrian government forces immediately withdraw from areas close to Turkish observation posts in Idlib.

The situation in Idlib has escalated in recent weeks after Turkish military units came under fire from Syrian government forces, and two Syrian helicopters were shot down.

Reporter’s code: 50101