Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence will be questioned over her 2017 meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad

"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,