Bashar al-Assad Releases First Statement Since Fleeing Syria

Rebel Forces End Five Decades of al-Assad Family Rule in Syria

In his first public remarks since leaving Syria, Bashar al-Assad defended his rule and denied fleeing as opposition forces advanced on Damascus earlier this month. His statement, shared on the Syrian presidency’s Telegram channel, provides his account of events.

Al-Assad claimed his departure was neither planned nor rushed. “I remained in Damascus, carrying out my duties until the early hours of December 8, 2024,” he said. His comments challenge claims that he left during the final hours of battle.

As rebel forces entered Damascus, al-Assad moved to a Russian base in Latakia to “oversee combat operations.” However, the base reportedly faced drone attacks, prompting Moscow to arrange his immediate evacuation to Russia.

The statement explained that the evacuation occurred on December 8, a day after Damascus fell. With state institutions paralyzed and military defenses collapsed, the Syrian capital came under complete rebel control.

Opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a rapid offensive in November. By December 8, they declared the end of over 50 years of al-Assad family rule, which began with Hafez al-Assad in 1970.

Bashar al-Assad’s presidency saw Syria embroiled in one of the deadliest conflicts of the 21st century. Starting in 2011, the war stemmed from protests during the Arab Spring that evolved into a devastating civil war.

The conflict killed hundreds of thousands, displaced millions, and fragmented the nation. Reports of human rights abuses under al-Assad’s government, including torture and mass executions, have emerged over the years.

Rights groups allege rampant violations, with thousands of Syrians still unaccounted for. Rebel forces have uncovered evidence of horrific abuses in prisons during their recent advances across the country.

Despite this, al-Assad’s statement remained unapologetic. He described himself as the “custodian” of Syria’s national project, defending the state and its institutions until they fell to what he called “terrorist forces.”

“When the state falls into the hands of terrorism, any position becomes void of purpose,” he remarked. The authenticity of the statement has not been verified, and al-Assad has made no media appearances since fleeing.

The fall of Damascus marked a pivotal moment, ending decades of authoritarian rule. For the latest updates on Middle East news, trends, and lifestyle, follow Trendsnip.