Official announcements from Syrian government or credible international news agencies

Trump Says Assad Fled Syria as Rebels Seize Damascus After Russia Withdraws Support

Dec 8, 2024, 08:09 AM

President-elect Donald Trump announced that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled his country after losing support from Russia. Trump stated that Russia, led by President Vladimir Putin, is no longer interested in protecting Assad, citing Russia's focus on Ukraine and economic challenges. He also noted that Iran is in a weakened position due to Israel's military successes. Reports indicate that Syrian rebels have taken control of Damascus, marking the collapse of the Baath regime and the end of the Assad family's decades-long rule. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Assad's plane was shot down during an attempt to leave the country.