As'ad

As'ad, the leader of the Free Syrian Army, said his group won't back down as the government decides whether it will comply with the Arab plan.

Syria Rebels Vow to Guard Civilians Nour Malas 2011

As'ad echoed the same impatience with the Arab deliberations.

Syria Rebels Vow to Guard Civilians Nour Malas 2011

We cannot face these tanks, Col As'ad said, sounding a much less confident tone than in previous weeks.

Syria Army Pounds Northern Towns Nour Malas 2011

As'ad said by telephone from the Turkish border, where he is based.

Syria Army Pounds Northern Towns Nour Malas 2011

As'ad said the soldiers had since been driven out of the towns.

Syria Army Pounds Northern Towns Nour Malas 2011

Riad As'ad, the dissident army's commander, said tens of thousands of soldiers are grouped in 22 battalions with their light weapons, including rifles and RPGs, which have proved effective at destroying tanks in fights with the army.

Syria Tension Grows Nour Malas 2011

"Until now, this has not been available to us," Col As'ad said in an interview on Thursday.

Syria Tension Grows Nour Malas 2011

Col As'ad said the dissident army coordinates with "civilian leaders" in different cities on its operations to protect civilians.

Syria Tension Grows Nour Malas 2011

He said the group hasn't received any financial or political support from any Arab state—nor Turkey, where Col As'ad lives under protection after fleeing Syria—and hasn't been able to seek weapons in any organized or sustained way.

Syria Tension Grows Nour Malas 2011

Riad As'ad, the commander of the largest dissident-soldier group, the Free Syrian Army.

Syria Army Pounds Northern Towns Nour Malas 2011