Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has denied claims that his departure from Syria was planned, according to a statement posted Monday on the Syrian Presidency’s Telegram account. This marks the first time Assad has publicly addressed the events leading to his ousting earlier this month.

In the statement, purportedly from Assad, he insisted that he stayed in Damascus until the final hours before being evacuated to Russia.

Assad: “Departure Was Unplanned”

“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 read.

Assad claimed he moved to Russia’s airbase in Hmeimim on the morning of December 8 at Moscow’s request. Later that day, Russian officials evacuated him and his family when the base came under attack.

Collapse of Damascus Triggered Evacuation

The statement further alleged that the fall of Damascus and the collapse of Syria’s state institutions left no alternative but to evacuate.
“With no viable means of leaving the base, Moscow requested the base’s command arrange an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of December 8. This took place a day after Damascus fell, following the collapse of the final military positions and the paralysis of all remaining state institutions,” Assad explained.

“No Plans to Step Down”

Assad denied considering resignation or seeking asylum before his evacuation.
“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,” he stated.

Assad justified his departure by claiming his position became meaningless after Syria’s takeover by what he described as “terrorists.”
“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.”

Asylum in Russia

Assad and his family were granted asylum in Russia for “humanitarian reasons,” according to Russian officials. They arrived in Moscow late on December 8, following their evacuation from the Hmeimim airbase.

While it remains unclear if Assad controls the Telegram account from which the statement was posted, the message provides insight into his perspective on the dramatic fall of his regime and his subsequent relocation to Russia.

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On Sunday, Syrian rebel forces took control of Damascus, declaring Syria “free” after a swift and decisive offensive that saw multiple major cities fall into their hands in recent weeks. The rapid success of the rebels is a clear indication that the Assad regime, which has clung to power for over 14 years amid a brutal civil war, has effectively collapsed.

Why This Matters:

The rebels’ victory in Damascus, with little to no significant resistance from Assad’s forces, signifies the end of the Assad regime’s control over Syria. This momentous shift comes after years of conflict and is a devastating blow to Syria’s government. The fall of Damascus is a significant geopolitical event, further destabilizing Syria and the Middle East in the short term.

In the long run, the collapse of Assad’s regime could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Syria but also for its key allies—Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah—who have supported President Bashar al-Assad’s rule since the 2011 uprising.

Key Developments:

• Assad’s Disappearance: Reuters reported that Assad left Damascus on Sunday morning, with his whereabouts unknown.
• Rebels Free Prisoners: Rebel forces also took control of Sednaya prison, a notorious facility near Damascus, and released hundreds of prisoners. Social media footage showed Syrian soldiers abandoning their posts in the capital, many removing their uniforms and blending into the crowd as civilians.
• Celebrations in the Streets: Thousands gathered in Damascus’ main square, cheering as news spread of the regime’s fall. Al Jazeera and other news outlets broadcasted the jubilant scenes of Syrians celebrating their newfound freedom.
• Airport Seized: Rebel forces also captured Damascus International Airport, adding another blow to the regime’s hold on the capital.

The Road Ahead:

Hadi al-Bahra, head of the Syrian National Coalition, told Al-Arabiya that the regime has officially fallen, but emphasized that the focus is not on revenge. Instead, the goal is to restore security and stability to Syria. Meanwhile, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, the Assad regime’s prime minister, expressed willingness to negotiate a peaceful transition of power, stressing the need to protect state institutions and ensure the safety of all citizens, including the opposition.

A Historic Shift:

This marks the end of 53 years of Assad family rule in Syria, which began with Hafez al-Assad’s coup in 1970. After his death in 2000, his son Bashar al-Assad took over, leading the country through a brutal crackdown on the 2011 uprising that ultimately plunged Syria into civil war. The collapse of the regime signifies not only the fall of the Assad dynasty but also the end of the secular Ba’ath Party’s rule, and the political dominance of Syria’s Alawite minority.

A Suspicious Departure:

In a dramatic turn of events, an Ilyushin-76 plane suspected of carrying President Assad was seen leaving Damascus airport just before rebel forces entered the city. The plane’s route, tracked via FlightRadar, showed it initially heading northwest before descending rapidly near Homs and eventually disappearing from radar.

This unfolding story is still developing, and further updates are expected as the situation evolves.

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