President Assad Says Syria Will Defend Itself Against Imperialist Aggression

President Bashar al-Assad of Syria addresses his supporters on January 6, 2013. He called for the continued resistance to the imperialist plot to overthrow the government of this Middle Eastern state., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Assad says Syria will defend itself against aggression

7:21am EDT

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday that Syria would defend itself against any aggression following reports that the United States and its allies were preparing military action in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack.

"The threats of direct aggression against Syria will only increase our commitment to our deep-rooted principles and the independent will of our people. Syria will defend itself in the face of any aggression," state television quoted Assad as telling a delegation of Yemeni politicians.

(Reporting by Oliver Holmes; Editing by Jon Boyle)