Assad calls US plan to train rebels 'illusory'

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview published on Monday, US plans to train vetted rebels to fight the Islamic State group were "illusory" as they would eventually defect to the jihadists.

The Syrian leader also questioned talks to be held in Moscow this week, telling Foreign Affairs magazine that his government would attend but was not convinced the opposition figures taking part represented Syrians on the ground.

Washington has backed the Syrian opposition and has unveiled plans to train more than 5,000 vetted rebels in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to fight IS.