Assad Says 'Terror' Will Strike West

Syrian President Bashar Assad said Wednesday terrorism will strike back against the West and other countries that "supported" attacks in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East.

Ever since a revolt broke out in March 2011, Assad has blamed all violence in Syria on a foreign-backed "terrorist" plot.

"The West and countries that support extremism and terrorism in Syria and the region... must realize that this growing threat will strike the whole world, especially the countries that support terrorism and that allowed it to grow," Assad told a North Korean delegation visiting Damascus.

Assad has frequently blamed the West, Turkey and Gulf countries who back rebels seeking his overthrow for violence in Syria.

Assad and the North Korean delegation discussed "ways to expand cooperation in the economic sector and in reconstruction" in Syria.

Damascus and Pyongyang have for many years had close military ties.

Both are suspected of trading chemical weapons.