Major-General Issam Zahreddine of the Syrian Republican Guard warned Syrians who have fled the country not to return. In a statement aired by the Syrian Al-Ikhabriya news TV channel, Zahereddine said that even if the state forgives the refugees who fled the country: "We will never forgive or forget." "My advice is that none of you return," he added. The statement aired on September 10. Major-General Zahreddine was the commander of the besieged Syrian forces in Deir Al-Zour.

Issam Zahreddine: "To those who fled Syria to any other country, I say: Please do not return, because even if the state forgives you, I swear that we will never forgive or forget. My advice is that none of you return."