Free Syrian Army forms military council to oust Assad

Nicosia: The rebel Free Syrian Army announced on Wednesday 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.

"Based on the requirements of this phase and the demands of the Syrian revolution, the Free Syrian Army is establishing a temporary military council," a statement said.

The council aims to "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."

Colonel Riyadh Al Asaad to chair

Colonel Riyadh Al Asaad, who defected from the regular army to form the Syrian Free Army in July, will chair the council.

The council'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 on Wednesday in one of the most daring raids in eight months of anti-government unrest.