In pictures: Syria’s Assad makes daring visit to Ghouta frontline

Syrian President Bashar Assad made a surprising – and equally adventurous – visit to the battlefield near rebel-held territory in the Eastern Ghouta.

Syrian Army soldiers fighting Islamist rebels in Kharabo village near Marj al-Sultan military airbase seemed delighted to see their leader in simple casual clothes touring the trenches.

Assad shared Iftar meal with the Republican Guard soldiers after he was briefed about the military situation by field commanders.

“This is the best meal I have ever had in my entire life”, he commented.

Assad has previously made such controversial visits to Army troops fighting Islamist rebels in Homs, Darayya and Jobar.