Syria's Assad makes secret trip to Russia to meet Putin

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has visited Moscow on his first overseas trip since the civil war broke out in his country in 2011.

Mr Assad held talks with President Vladimir Putin during the surprise visit, which was not announced until after the Syrian president had returned home.

He said Russia's involvement had stopped "terrorism" becoming "more widespread and harmful" in Syria.

Steve Rosenberg reports from Moscow.