Assad’s Denial of Intent to Flee Amidst Syrian Turmoil
In a recent communication attributed to Bashar al-Assad, the former President of Syria, he asserts that fleeing to Russia was never his intention. This statement marks what is believed to be his first public comment following the dramatic fall of Damascus just eight days prior.
The message surfaced on the Telegram channel associated with the Syrian presidency on Monday. However, it remains uncertain who currently manages this channel or if Assad himself authored the statement.
Circumstances Surrounding His Departure
According to Assad’s account, as rebel forces overtook the capital city, he sought refuge at a Russian military installation in Latakia province with plans to oversee military operations. He claims that upon arrival, he discovered that Syrian troops had deserted their posts.
The Hmeimim airbase reportedly faced an increase in drone attacks during this period. Consequently, Russian authorities opted for an emergency evacuation plan that would transport him back to Moscow.
Details from December 8th
In his declaration—available in both Arabic and English—Assad elaborates on events from December 8th when he found himself encircled at the Russian base. He stated: “With no feasible way out of the base, Moscow requested immediate arrangements for my evacuation back to Russia on Sunday evening.” This occurred shortly after Damascus fell and state institutions effectively ceased functioning due to military collapse.
He emphasized that throughout these tumultuous events, stepping down or seeking asylum was never considered by him nor proposed by any party involved.
“When governance succumbs to terrorism and meaningful contributions become impossible,” he noted, “any position loses its significance.”
Speculation During Rebel Advances
During a swift offensive led by rebel factions—including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—that saw multiple cities and regions succumb within just twelve days, Assad remained conspicuously absent from public view. As rumors swirled regarding his potential flight from Syria intensified—especially given reports indicating even his prime minister could not reach him—the situation became increasingly precarious.
On December 9th, Russian media outlets claimed Assad had been granted asylum in Russia; however, no official confirmation has emerged regarding this assertion.
Meanwhile, various Syrian rebel groups are actively working towards establishing a transitional government structure amidst ongoing conflict dynamics. HTS originated as Jabhat al-Nusra in 2011 and aligned itself with al-Qaeda shortly thereafter but severed ties with them in 2016 before rebranding itself as HTS through mergers with other factions. Despite its evolution over time and claims of moderation under leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani), international bodies such as the UN and US continue designating it as a terrorist organization due to its historical affiliations.
International Reactions and Future Prospects
UN envoy Geir Pedersen recently met with HTS leadership advocating for a “credible and inclusive” transition process within Syria’s political landscape. In addition, Qatar has dispatched representatives for discussions concerning transitional governance ahead of reopening its embassy—a significant move after thirteen years since closure due largely impartially towards regional stability efforts post-conflict escalation.
While Western nations have yet hesitated on similar diplomatic gestures like reopening embassies themselves; both US officials along with UK counterparts have acknowledged initiating contact with HTS despite reiterating their classification of it as a terrorist entity during these engagements.
On another front addressing geopolitical influences within Syria’s future trajectory; EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas articulated concerns about continued involvement from Moscow and Tehran stating they “should not play any role” moving forward into peace negotiations or reconstruction efforts post-conflict resolution scenarios.