Ex-Syrian Leader al-Assad Discusses His Journey from Damascus to Russia

Damascus, Dec 16 (NationPress) Bashar al-Assad, the former President of Syria, issued a public statement on Monday, his first since he departed from Damascus on December 8. In this statement, he detailed the chaotic events that transpired leading up to his relocation to Russia.

The announcement, shared through the Syrian Presidency's Telegram channel, aimed to clarify circulating rumors regarding his exit and the alleged collapse of his government after over 13 years of civil unrest.

Al-Assad emphasized that he had not premeditated his departure and that he remained in the capital until the early hours of December 8, attending to his governmental duties. When militant factions entered Damascus, he coordinated with his 'Russian friends' to move to the coastal region of Latakia, with the intention of continuing military operations from that location.

Upon reaching Russia's Hmeimim Air Base, however, al-Assad discovered that all remaining positions of the Syrian army had crumbled, with ground forces retreating from the front lines, as per his statement.

As the circumstances worsened and the Russian base itself faced drone assaults, al-Assad indicated that Moscow arranged for an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of December 8.

He asserted that the thought of seeking asylum or relinquishing his role never crossed his mind, stating that his only choice was to persist in the fight, according to a report by the Xinhua news agency.

Al-Assad dismissed any suggestion that he would forsake the Syrian populace, underlining that he had continuously turned down 'deals and temptations' throughout the ongoing warfare. He highlighted that he remained in Damascus with his family even during the direst years of conflict, confronting repeated threats from militant advances for over 13 years.

The ousted leader characterized himself as a ruler who never sought personal power, considering his position as part of a national initiative backed by the Syrian people.

As the state succumbed to what he termed 'terrorists' with no ability left to serve the public, he stated that the presidency had become 'meaningless.'

Nonetheless, al-Assad asserted that his national identity and loyalty to Syria remain steadfast, expressing optimism that the country will eventually reclaim its freedom and independence.

A militant coalition led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group initiated a significant offensive from northern Syria on November 27, subsequently advancing southward through territories controlled by al-Assad's administration. After achieving territorial victories, including the capture of Damascus, the alliance proclaimed the end of al-Assad's regime on December 8.