Damascus: A Syrian government official says President Bashar al-Assad has named five officials to top security posts in a reshuffle of the regime`s inner circle.
One of today`s appointments replaces Assad`s national security chief, who died last week after being wounded in a rebel bombing that also killed three other officials.
The new appointees are known regime figures, making it unlikely that the reshuffle will alter the government`s efforts to defeat anti-Assad rebels.
Rebel groups are battling the government across Syria as the country`s 16-month crisis grows increasingly violent and chaotic.
Last week`s bomb attack struck a sharp blow to the regime`s top brass, though government troops have now largely routed rebel forces fighting in the capital.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss security matters.
PTI
