Syrian rebels take position during clashes with government forces in Idlib, north Syria.—AP Photo

DAMASCUS:  The Syrian army will withdraw from urban areas “once peace and security prevail,” foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdisi said in comments carried by state media on Saturday.

“The presence of the Syrian Arab army in Syrian cities is for defensive purposes (so) as to protect the civilians,” Makdisi was quoted as saying by the official SANA news agency.

“Once peace and security prevail, the army is to pull out,” he added.