Syria’s Former President Bashar al-Assad said in his first statement on Monday since the country’s upheaval that his departure from Syria was neither planned nor an act of surrender, explaining that it occurred amidst growing violence that reached Damascus on the evening of December 7.
The statement reads that the former President remained in Damascus until the early hours of December 8, when “terrorist forces infiltrated the capital.” He then coordinated with Russian allies to “relocate to Latakia and oversee combat operations,” the statement circulating on X (formerly Twitter) reads.
Syrian Presidency’s Facebook and Telegram channels publish statement purported to be from Bashar al-Assad, dated Dec. 16.
Assad says that “at no time during the events that have taken place in Syria” has he ever considered resigning or fleeing the country. pic.twitter.com/6kreggNd2P
— Ismaeel Naar (@ismaeelrn) December 16, 2024
Upon arriving at the Hmeimim airbase that morning, he learned that Syrian forces had been fully withdrawn from all battle lines, and the last remaining military positions had collapsed.
“As the situation on the ground deteriorated and the Russian military base itself came under intense drone attacks, Moscow requested my immediate evacuation to Russia,” according to the statement. The evacuation took place the day after the fall of Damascus and the complete collapse of state institutions.
Assad categorically denied claims that he sought refuge or considered stepping down, asserting, “The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught.” He reaffirmed his commitment to Syria, stating that he “had never abandoned his people, soldiers, or allies despite facing overwhelming challenges.”
“The person who, from the first day of the war, refused to compromise his people or his nation’s sovereignty is the same person who stood along with his army on the front lines,” he said, highlighting his ongoing dedication to Syria’s cause.
While acknowledging the dire situation, Assad expressed his unwavering belief in Syria’s future, stating, “Even when the state falls into the hands of terrorism, any position becomes meaningless. But my bond with Syria and her people remains unshaken. I am filled with hope that Syria will once again be free and independent.”