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Bashar al-Assad Breaks Silence After Evacuation to Russia Following Regime’s Fall in Syria

Bashar al-Assad Breaks Silence After Evacuation to Russia Following Regime's Fall Pulse news network
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MOSCOW: Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has made his first public remarks since his regime’s collapse earlier this month, addressing the circumstances of his departure. A statement attributed to Assad was posted Monday on the Syrian Presidency Telegram account, though it remains unclear if he still controls the channel.

In the statement, Assad denied reports that his departure was pre-planned or rushed. “My departure from Syria was neither planned nor did it occur during the final hours of the battles,” the statement read. He stated that he continued his duties in Damascus until early on December 8, 2024, before relocating to Russia’s airbase in Hmeimim at Moscow’s request after the base came under attack.

Assad described events at Hmeimim, explaining, “With no viable means of leaving the base, Moscow requested the base’s command arrange an immediate evacuation to Russia.” The evacuation reportedly occurred the evening following the collapse of Damascus, which he confirmed marked the end of his regime’s military hold and state authority.

The ousted leader rejected claims that he considered stepping down or seeking asylum voluntarily, stating, “At no point did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge. The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught.” Assad portrayed his role as “void of purpose” after the collapse of the state and the loss of control to what he described as “terrorists.”

“When the state falls into the hands of terrorism and meaningful contribution becomes impossible, any position becomes void of purpose,” he added.

According to Russian officials, Assad and his family were granted asylum in Russia for “humanitarian reasons.” They arrived in Moscow on December 8 following the urgent evacuation.

The fall of Assad’s regime signals a major turning point in Syria’s decade-long conflict, but questions remain about the country’s future stability and governance. While Assad’s evacuation underscores the collapse of the central government, it also raises concerns about a growing power vacuum and the prospect of prolonged unrest in the region.

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