Syria armed forces hold 'large-scale' exercises

The Syrian armed forces have been conducting “large-scale” manoeuvres to test their “combat capability and readiness”, Syrian state media report.

The exercises showed Syria was able “to defend [its] shores against any possible aggression”, according to state-run news agency Sana. Tensions along the border with Turkey have been raised after Syria shot down a Turkish fighter jet last month. Meanwhile, UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan has arrived in Damascus. Mr Annan will hold talks with President Bashar al-Assad, his office said. On Saturday Mr Annan said his six-point peace plan for Syria had so far “failed”, in comments to French newspaper Le Monde.