“After the fall of the regime and the flight to Russia, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad issued a statement for the first time, in which he claims that he left the country on the evening of December 8 and that his departure was unplanned. Source: statement on the Telegram channel of Assad’s office Details: The statement claims that Assad was in the Syrian capital Damascus, performing his duties, until the night of December 8.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
After the fall of the regime and the flight to Russia, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad issued a statement for the first time, in which he claims that he left the country on the evening of December 8 and that his departure was unplanned.
Source: statement in the Telegram channel of Assad’s office
Details: The statement claims that Assad was in the Syrian capital, Damascus, performing his duties until the night of December 8.
Direct speech: “When terrorist forces entered Damascus, I moved to Latakia in coordination with our Russian allies to oversee combat operations. After arriving at Khmeimim Air Base that morning, it became clear that our troops had completely withdrawn from all front lines and that the last army positions fell.”
Details: According to Assad, the situation continued to deteriorate, and “the Russian military base came under intense drone attacks.”
Due to the impossibility of leaving the base, Moscow asked its command to organize the immediate evacuation of Assad to Russia on the evening of December 8.
Assad also emphasized that the evacuation was organized after the fall of Damascus and the paralysis of all state institutions. He denied the possibility of his resignation or seeking political asylum.
“At no time during these events did I consider the option of surrendering or fleeing. The only choice remained the fight against terrorists. This has always been my principle from the very beginning of the war,” he wrote.
In addition, Assad noted that his statement was published on social media after several failed attempts to disseminate it through Arab and international media.
He concluded the statement with words of dedication to the Syrian people and hope for the restoration of the country’s independence:
“When a state falls into the hands of terrorism and the ability to make a meaningful contribution is lost, any position loses its purpose, making it pointless to hold it. This in no way diminishes my deep sense of belonging to Syria and its people, a bond that remains unwavering no matter what. -what position or circumstances. It is an affiliation full of hope that Syria will become free and independent again.”
Prehistory:
- The Assad regime held power in Syria for 53 years and collapsed after a 12-day offensive by rebels led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or the Levant Liberation Organization, ended on December 8 with the capture of the country’s capital, Damascus.
- The head of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, Hadi Al-Bahra, announced plans to form a civilian government after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
- Muhammad al-Bashir became the new interim prime minister of Syria.
- The Russian state agencies TASS and RIA Novosti reported that the deposed Syrian president Bashar Assad and his family are in Moscow, and Russia has given them asylum.
- On December 16, The Wall Street Journal noted that after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a “hunt” began for his family’s wealth, which they accumulated during half a century of authoritarian rule. According to estimates, their assets may reach 12 billion dollars, accumulated during half a century of dictatorial rule.
- The Financial Times reported that Russia has withdrawn at least 400 soldiers from the Damascus region after talks with the new Syrian leadership. A representative of “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham” said that negotiations are underway to evacuate more soldiers throughout Syria.