Assad ventures further for Eid

that victory and the return of security were only “a few steps” away.

Syria’s civil war has turned to Assad’s favour since 2015, when Russia sent its jets to help his army and allied Shi’ite militias backed by Iran turn back rebels and win new ground.

Assad has not made a declared visit to Hama, which is about 185km from Damascus, since the war began. Last year, he delivered Eid prayers in Homs, about 40km closer to Damascus.