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Ousted Syrian President Assad Says Russia Requested His Evacuation in First Moscow Statement

Dec 16, 2024, 01:07 PM

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued his first public statement since being ousted by rebel forces on December 8, 2024. In the statement dated December 16 from Moscow and released via the Syrian presidency's Telegram channel, Assad detailed the circumstances of his departure from Syria. He stated that he remained in Damascus until the early morning of December 8 and left the country later that evening, asserting that his departure was unplanned and at Russia's request. Assad explained that as terrorism spread across Syria and reached Damascus on December 7, he moved to Latakia with Russian coordination to continue his duties. Upon arriving at the Hmeimim airbase, he learned that all military positions in Damascus had fallen. The base came under drone attacks, prompting his evacuation to Russia that evening. Assad emphasized that he never considered resigning or fleeing the country during the events, and that he did not use his position for personal gain.