The rebel Free Syrian Army announced today the creation of a temporary military council with the aim of ousting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad and protecting civilians from his forces.
8220;Based on the requirements of this phase and the demands of the Syrian revolution,the Free Syrian Army is establishing a temporary military council,8221; a statement said.
The council aims to 8220;bring down the current regime,protect Syrian civilians from its oppression,protect private and public property,and prevent chaos and acts of revenge when it falls.8221;
Colonel Riyadh al-Asaad,who defected from the regular army to form the Syrian Free Army in July,will chair the council.
The council8217;s leadership also includes four colonels and three majors.
The announcement came after Free Syrian Army fighters attacked a military intelligence base outside Damascus early today in one of the most daring raids in eight months of anti-government unrest.