Fighters ready for battle with Assad

Free Syrian Army fighters walk through a mountain area near the southern city of Deraa.

This video, obtained by Reuters, shows dozens of fighters gathered in what appears to be their military camp.

An unidentified leader tells them that the most important thing is organization and discipline.

"When we are organized, we can defeat any army," he says.

He also tells them there are many groups in the country with fighters from villages all over Syria.

"There is no discrimination," he says. "This revolution is for all."

This fighter announces his defection from the Syrian Army to join the Free Syrian Army.

He says he is Lieutenant Alaa Abdul Rahman formerly of the fifth brigade, 15th infantry division and he promises to protect civilians and fight Assad brigades committing crimes against the Syrian people.

The Free Syrian Army, the main armed opposition group, is a loose group of fighters with some central command over units in Syria.

President Bashar al Assad's government has repeatedly accused foreign states of backing what he calls a "terrorist" campaign in Syria.

Sunita Rappai, Reuters