In a rare interview recorded on Thursday, Assad told AFP news agency that defeating the groups ranged against him could take some time due to the involvement of regional powers.

Assad expressed support for peace talks but said negotiations did not mean "we stop fighting terrorism". And he vowed to sever the rebels' supply route from Turkey.

Syrian government forces, backed by Russian air strikes, have almost encircled rebels in parts of the northern city of Aleppo.

US state department spokesman Mark Toner said Assad was "deluded" if he thought there was a military solution to the conflict.

More than 250,000 people have been killed and some 11 million displaced in almost five years of fighting in Syria.

(BBC)