Iran says to maintain military advisory mission in Syria

TEHRAN, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Deputy Commander of the Iranian Army Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said that the country's armed forces are continuing their advisory mission in Syria, Financial Tribune daily reported on Monday.

The Iranian army has dispatched commandos from its Special Forces, known as the 65th Brigade to Syria, Pourdastan said, adding that a brigade named "Malek Ashtar" has been stationed in Syria.

The commander did not elaborate on the time of the dispatch and the location of the Iranian commandos in Syria.

Iran said that its military advisors have been present in Syria to assist the Syrian government since the civil war started in the Arab state in 2011.