Recently, a statement purportedly from ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was posted on the Syrian Presidency Telegram account, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his unexpected departure from the country. According to the statement, Assad clarified that his exit from Syria was not premeditated and did not occur during the final stages of the conflict.
The statement indicated that Assad remained in Damascus fulfilling his duties until the early hours of Sunday, December 8, 2024. It was mentioned that he relocated to Russia's Hmeimim airbase on the same day, following a request from Moscow for evacuation when the base came under attack.
Assad emphasized that he did not contemplate stepping down or seeking refuge during the events that unfolded. He expressed his commitment to continue fighting against what he referred to as a 'terrorist onslaught' that led to the fall of Damascus and the subsequent collapse of state institutions.
The statement suggested that Assad's role as president lost its significance after the country fell into the hands of 'terrorists,' rendering his position devoid of purpose. This realization prompted his decision to depart for Moscow, where he and his family were granted asylum for humanitarian reasons.
While the authenticity of the statement and Assad's control over the Telegram account remain uncertain, this development marks the first public communication attributed to Assad since his regime's downfall earlier this month.
Assad's unexpected departure and the circumstances surrounding it have raised questions about the future of Syria and the ongoing conflict in the region. The revelation of these details provides insight into the internal dynamics and decision-making processes within the Syrian government during a period of significant upheaval.
