Syrian PM urges youth to fulfill their military obligation, promises higher pay for troops
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Syria's prime minister has called on young Syrians to fulfill their mandatory military service obligation, promising better pay for troops on the front lines.
Wael al-Halqi told a parliament session on Monday: "Today we must unite more than ever in backing our army."
His comments come after Syrian troops suffered major defeats against insurgents and Muslim militants in recent weeks.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The government recently lost the northern city of Idlib as well as the historic central town of Palmyra.
Al-Halqi said that losing a city or an area does not mean "losing the war."
He added that at the orders of President Bashar Assad, a plan is being considered that would pay an extra 10,000 Syrian pounds ($35) per month for every soldier fighting on the front lines, starting in July.