TEHRAN – Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi denies news reports claiming that Iran has decided to send troops to Syria. 

 

“There is no need to do so, and we believe that the Syrian government and army are able to carry out their duties to deal with terrorists,” Vahidi told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday when asked about news reports claiming that Iran has decided to send military forces to Syria to help the crisis-hit Arab country deal with armed rebels fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. 

 

“It is not true, and those who raise such issues are doing so to cover up the measures they have taken. Iran has no troops in Syria,” he said. 

 

In addition, Vahidi condemned the armed rebels for carrying out terrorist actions and said that the Syrian government is engaged in a battle with terrorist groups. 

 

Elsewhere in his remarks, the defense minister announced that Iran’s new military achievements will be unveiled during the current calendar month of Mordad (July 22-August 21). 

 

“God willing, in this month new achievements will be unveiled. For example, the production lines for precision-guided missiles and a model of armed flying boat will be inaugurated,” he said.  

 

AM/PA