The Syrian army has started counterattacks nationwide to reinforce law and order, the pan-Arab Mayadeen TV reported Friday, adding that government troops have regained control of Syria-Iraq border points from the rebels.

The TV quoted unnamed officials as saying that Syrian flags were re-erected Friday on the border crossings with Iraq, a day after armed rebels announced that they took over control of the border points.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Manar TV cited Syrian Deputy Defense Minister Talal Tlass as saying that a "cleansing campaign has already started and you will hear good news soon."

Tlass reportedly made the remarks while participating in an official funeral procession on Friday for top officers who were killed in Wednesday's Damascus bombing.