Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has broken his silence after fleeing Syria, defending his leadership and denying claims that his departure was premeditated.
In a statement shared today, Monday, on the Syrian presidency’s Telegram channel, al-Assad clarified the circumstances of his exit as opposition fighters approached Damascus earlier this month.
“My departure from Syria was neither planned nor during the final hours of the battles, as some have claimed,” he stated. “I remained in Damascus, fulfilling my duties until the early hours of Sunday, December 8, 2024.”
Al-Assad explained that as opposition forces, which he referred to as “terrorist forces,” entered the capital, he relocated to a Russian base in Latakia to « oversee combat operations. »
The remarks mark the first public communication from al-Assad since his departure, offering insight into his perspective on recent developments in Syria.
