Syria: foreign minister says Damascus will respond to Israeli attacks

Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad has indicated that Damascus will respond to Israel's recent attacks on the country. Mekdad made his comment following Israeli air strikes on the port of Latakia. There were no reported casualties.

"We are responding to these attacks every day," said the minister during a press conference in Tehran with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdollahian. "The Israeli regime's attacks on Syria could not go unanswered."

Those who attacked Syria are its enemies and they supported the terrorists, he pointed out. "Israel is doing this today. Maybe today's answer is different from tomorrow and today's answer is different from yesterday."

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According to Iran's Mehr news agency, Mekdad also warned Israel not to underestimate Syria's military capabilities and its ability to respond to attacks.

"Syria is paying special attention to strengthening trade relations with Iran," he added. "We welcome any attempt to end the sanctions. We welcome any participation with Iran in Syria."

During his visit Mekdad also met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who emphasised the importance of the ties between Damascus and Tehran, and that Syria is at the forefront of the resistance against Israel.

"The history of the resistance of the Syrian people and government against cowardly aggression will be recorded proudly," said Raisi. "Ignoring the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries by any country is not acceptable and the Syrian people will certainly not tolerate it."