Damascus says Iranians are in Syria in purely advise-and-assist capacity

Syria says Iran has no military presence or bases in the country, and that the Iranian military advisors are there to help Damascus fight terrorist groups. Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said the presence of the Iranian advisors in Syria was legitimate and based on an invitation by the Syrian government. Muallem thanked Iran for helping his country in the ongoing war against the foreign-backed militant groups.