"We firmly support the Syrian government and army." It comes the day after Russia - a key ally of Assad's - launched air strikes on parts of Syria's second largest city It comes after a spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry confirmed that Araqchi will travel to Damascus tomorrow.

The Syrian authorities rely on the help of allies to try to repel the offensive of anti-government forces that have launched a large-scale campaign in the Aleppo province. Anti-Assad forces have already taken control of dozens of villages and towns,

The Syrian military rushed in reinforcements Sunday (December 1) in an attempt to push back insurgents from advancing farther after seizing Aleppo and surrounding strategic locations in an adjacent province in a surprise offensive.

The swift and surprise offensive is a huge embarrassment for Syria's President Bashar Assad and raised questions about his armed forces' preparedness.