President al-Assad in a speech addressed to the armed forces on the 73rd anniversary of founding the Syrian Arab Army:

"Men of dignity and sovereignty, I congratulate you on your 73rd Day while you are moving from one achievement to another and from one victory to another in the face of the systematic terrorism and its regional and international backers. Our heroic armed forces, you have proven to the whole world over the past seven years that you are an integrated example to follow in nationalism and sacrifice and that you are the fortresses in the face of terrorism. Your sacrifices and heroism allowed us to reach toady the security and stability in most areas, and you have undermined the Zionist-American project which targets all without any exceptions. The liberated areas are returning secure and stable thanks to your heroism and sacrifices and their locals are returning to them again after they got rid of terrorism and its backers. I salute all the martyrs and wish a speedy recovery for the injured. Victory will be achieved soon."