Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says his troops need more time to win the war against opposition forces.
In an interview with a private Syrian television channel, Assad said government forces are "moving forward" but that the war's outcome is not yet decided.
"We are fighting a regional and global war, so time is needed to win it," he said.
The uprising against Assad is now entering its 18th month.
Fighting between rebels and government troops was reported on several fronts on August 29, including in Syria's largest city of Aleppo, the northwestern Idlib Province, and eastern Deir Ezzor.
Activists say around 25,000 people have been killed since the uprising broke out in March 2011.
The United Nations says more than 214,000 people have fled the conflict to neighboring countries.
In an interview with a private Syrian television channel, Assad said government forces are "moving forward" but that the war's outcome is not yet decided.
"We are fighting a regional and global war, so time is needed to win it," he said.
The uprising against Assad is now entering its 18th month.
Fighting between rebels and government troops was reported on several fronts on August 29, including in Syria's largest city of Aleppo, the northwestern Idlib Province, and eastern Deir Ezzor.
Activists say around 25,000 people have been killed since the uprising broke out in March 2011.
The United Nations says more than 214,000 people have fled the conflict to neighboring countries.