The order came as Israel and Hezbollah fighters entered their 20th day of fighting in neighbouring Lebanon.

Travelers from Syria have reported that some reservists have been called up for military duty, a sign that Syria is concerned the fighting in Lebanon could spill over.

The Syrian government has not made any announcement about calling up reserves.

"The anniversary of the founding of the army comes this year in view of international circumstances and regional challenges that require caution, vigilance, preparation and readiness," al-Assad said in a statement carried by the official Syrian Arab News Agency.

He called on all branches of the armed forces "to intensify efforts in training and to work for more preparations and raise readiness," according to the statement.

"We must be aware that every effort and every drop of sweat exerted in training now will spare a drop of blood when the time comes," he said.

Warning

Syria has fought several times with Israel, which captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Mideast war and annexed in it 1981.

Al-Assad said Syria was determined to support Lebanon and would not flinch under international pressure.

"All the threatening cries by the forces of hegemony that is backing the aggression will not hold us from continuing the course of liberation and supporting our brothers and the (Hezbollah) resistance," he said.