Syrian Minister Warns Foreign Troops Against Incursions

In an attempt to pre-empt a coalition of forces carrying out ground incursions in Syria, the country's foreign minister has warned that foreign troops would return home in coffins.

According to Reuters, the minister Walid al-Moualem's comments were aimed at Sunni nations including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which announced they would join such incursions if US-led forces carry them out against ISIS. Moualem said that such efforts would be seen as invasion of Syria by Bashar al-Assad's government. He cited incursions in Yemen while substantiating his comments.

Thousands of residents are housed in informal camps near Turkey's borders with Syria after pro-government troops, backed by Russia, targeted rebels near Aleppo this week. Turkey has closed its borders but has said it would open them if the situation turns worse, The Washington Post reported.

The offensive launched by the forces against rebels cut short UN peace talks in Geneva aimed at resolving the five-year Syrian crisis. Moualem's comments were also interpreted as government's new found confidence and attributed to backing from Moscow. Russia on its part has accused Turkey and Jordon for helping the rebels with weapons and supplies.

Moualem also said that military advances his government is bringing the civil war to its end.