The Syrian President Bashar al Assad says his country is receiving indirect information about the US-led airstrikes on Islamic State.
In an interview with the BBC he concedes that Syrian armed forces have managed to avoid conflict with the American-led coalition thanks to information that he says is provided by Iraq and other third parties.
He also denies that the Syrian army is using barrel bombs against its opponents in the country's civil war.
Our Washington Correspondent Simon Marks says the interview suggests President Assad feels international pressure is no longer ranged against his regime.
IN: "The fact that…."
OUT: "….seems to understand"
DUR: 33 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0210assad-marks1.mp3
(ALT)
IN: "It's been…."
OUT: "….Syrian President's ouster"
DUR: 38 seconds