MOSCOW: Former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, in his first statement since fleeing to Russia over a week ago, said on Monday that his departure from Syria was unplanned adding that he remained in Damascus until the city fell and left the country only after the military situation became untenable.
In a statement published on the Syrian presidency’s Telegram channel, Assad said his departure occurred on December 8 in coordination with Russian allies, following the collapse of the Syrian army’s final battle lines.
“First, my departure from Syria was neither planned nor did it occur during the final hours of the battles, as some have claimed. On the contrary, I remained in Damascus, carrying out my duties until the early hours of Sunday, December 8, 2024,” the statement said.
Assad said he went to Lattakia, a Russian base in Syria, to ‘oversee combat operations’ when Moscow arranged an evacuation to Russia.
“Upon arrival at the Khmeimim airbase that morning, it became clear that our forces had completely withdrawn from all battle lines and that the last army positions had fallen,” Assad stated.
“As the field situation in the area continued to deteriorate, the Russian military base itself came under intensified attack by drone strikes. With no viable means of leaving the base, Moscow requested that the base’s command arrange an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of Sunday, December 8,” the statement added.
“This took place a day after the fall of Damascus, following the collapse of the final military positions and the resulting paralysis of all remaining state institutions.”
Assad added: “At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual or party. The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught.”
Assad also said he is the same person who from the beginning of Syria’s civil war refused to barter the salvation of his nation for personal gain or to compromise his people in exchange for numerous offers and enticements.
The deposed Syrian president said he and his family remained alongside Syrians to confront terrorism over the course of 14 years of civil war.
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He boasted that he never abandoned the resistance in Palestine and Lebanon, nor betrayed his allies who stood by him, cannot possibly be the same person who would forsake his own people or betray the army and nation to which he belongs.
“I have never sought positions for personal gain but have always considered myself as a custodian of a national project, supported by the faith of the Syrian people, who believed in its vision. I have carried an unwavering conviction in their will and ability to protect the state, defend its institutions, and uphold their choices to the very last moment.”
Assad stated: “When the state falls into the hands of terrorism and the ability to make a meaningful contribution is lost, any position becomes void of purpose, rendering its occupation meaningless. This does not, in any way, diminish my profound sense of belonging to Syria and her people – a bond that remains unshaken by any position or circumstance. It is a belonging filled with hope that Syria will once again be free and independent.”
