Assad Says Evacuation to Moscow Followed Drone Attacks on Hmeimim Base

Dec 16, 2024, 12:58 PM

Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued his first statement since leaving the country, released via the Syrian Presidency's Telegram channel from Moscow on December 16. Assad stated that he remained in Damascus until the early morning of December 8 and left Syria only in the evening of that day. He moved to Latakia with coordination from Russian forces, intending to continue his work from the Hmeimim airbase. Upon arrival, he discovered that all military positions had fallen. As the base came under drone attacks, Moscow requested his immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of December 8. Assad emphasized that he did not leave Damascus in a planned manner and had never considered resignation or seeking asylum. He added that with the fall of the state into the hands of terrorism, the presidential position becomes vacant and meaningless.