Syria marked on Wednesday the 37th anniversary of October War which is considered by the Syrians as a major turning point in the Arab-Israeli conflict. The retired Syrian general Nayif al-Akel told SANA news agency that the 1973 War should be viewed strategically, adding that the Arabs had the initiative and they broke the myth of the "invincible Israeli army."
Al-Akel was among the first Syrian military units to reach Mount Hermon's observation point (2600 meters above sea level) where they took out the Israeli flag and hoisted the Syrian one. According to him, liberating this strategic point had a great impact on the field operations as the Israeli occupation forces had several futile endeavors to re-occupy this base.
Al-Akel added that October War was the first war that witnessed Arab coordination.
Meanwhile, Syria's President Bashar al-Assad visited on Wednesday the Martyr's Monument on Qassyoun Mountain. Upon his arrival, President al-Assad was received by Defense Minister Lt.Gen. Ali Habib and Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Dawood Rajiha. After the National Anthem was played, President al-Assad reviewed the Guards of Honor while the artillery was firing a 21-gun salute on the occasion.
