ousted by insurgents, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad refuted claims that he fled Syria as part of a pre-arranged plan or to seek refuge. Instead, Assad asserted that his departure was a result of a rapidly deteriorating military situation, and he described the evacuation as a move orchestrated by Russian allies.
Departure Under Russian Protection
Assad’s statement, posted on the Telegram channel affiliated with the Syrian presidency, explains the circumstances surrounding his departure from Damascus on December 8, 2024. According to Assad, he had not intended to leave the country. As the capital fell to rebel forces, including the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Assad moved to Latakia, where Russian military forces were stationed.
Assad clarified that he went to oversee military operations in Latakia and had no knowledge of the extent of the Syrian Army’s retreat. Upon his arrival at the Hmeimim airbase, Assad stated that it became apparent that the Syrian military had lost its last strongholds, rendering further resistance futile. The Russian base itself came under attack by drone strikes, prompting Russian officials to request an immediate evacuation.
Clarification Amid Rising Speculation
The statement aims to address the speculation that followed his absence during the rebel-led sweep through Syrian territories. Following the fall of Damascus, rumors circulated that Assad had fled the country, with some claiming he had been granted asylum in Russia. This was further fueled by reports that even Assad’s own prime minister was unable to contact him during the rebel advance.
Assad firmly denied these rumors, stating, “At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual or party.” He emphasized that his only goal was to continue fighting the insurgents, whom he referred to as “terrorists.”
State of Emergency and Evacuation
The situation deteriorated rapidly after Syrian forces withdrew from their positions, and Assad found himself trapped at the Russian military base. With no safe route out of the base, Moscow ordered the evacuation, which took place on the evening of December 8. Assad added that this evacuation occurred a day after Damascus fell and all remaining state institutions effectively ceased functioning.
In his statement, Assad also expressed that his departure did not change his allegiance to Syria and its people. He reiterated his longstanding refusal to “barter the salvation of his nation for personal gain” and made it clear that he was not seeking personal refuge but was focused on the survival of the state.
Rebels and International Reactions
Meanwhile, rebel forces led by HTS continue to assert control over significant portions of Syria, including the capital. This has prompted a range of international responses. The UN has called for a “credible and inclusive” transition, but tensions remain high, especially over the role of HTS. The group, despite its claims of tolerance, remains designated as a terrorist organization by the UN, US, and UK.
Qatar recently reopened its embassy in Syria after 13 years, signaling a shift in regional diplomacy. Western countries, however, have refrained from reopening their embassies and have expressed concerns over the future role of Russia and Iran in Syria’s political landscape. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Moscow and Tehran should not have a place in Syria’s future.
As Syria moves into a new chapter under rebel control, the question of Assad’s future remains uncertain. While he has vowed to continue the fight against terrorism, the collapse of key military positions and state institutions suggests that the future of Syria will be shaped by the insurgent factions and their evolving international relationships.
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