Former Syrian President Assad’s Statement Denies Intent to Flee to Russia

Syria’s former President, Bashar al-Assad, asserts he never planned to escape to Russia. This declaration is presented as his initial public communication since the fall of Damascus eight days prior. Assad’s alleged statement was posted on Monday to the Telegram channel associated with the Syrian presidency, though it remains unclear who currently controls the channel or if he authored the message. In the statement, he recounts that as the Syrian capital succumbed to rebel forces, he proceeded to a Russian military base in Latakia province “to oversee combat operations,” only to discover that Syrian troops had deserted their positions. He claims that Hmeimim airbase had also experienced “intensified attack by drone strikes,” leading the Russians to decide to airlift him to Moscow. The former Syrian leader’s statement, released in both Arabic and English, reportedly details the events of 8 December and how he was seemingly confined at the Russian base. “With no viable means of leaving the base, Moscow requested that the base’s command arrange an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of Sunday 8th December,” the statement reads. “This took place a day after the fall of Damascus, following the collapse of the final military positions and the resulting paralysis of all remaining state institutions.” The statement further adds that “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.” It also states: “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.” Assad was not visible as Syrian cities and provinces fell to rebels, led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), over a 12-day period. However, speculation grew that he had fled the country, especially since his prime minister was unable to contact him during the rebel advance into Damascus. On 9 December, Russian media announced that he had been granted asylum there, despite a lack of official confirmation. The Syrian rebel groups are continuing their efforts to establish a transitional government. HTS, recognized as Syria’s most powerful rebel group, was initially formed in 2011 under a different name, Jabhat al-Nusra, and pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda the following year. Al-Nusra severed its ties with al-Qaeda in 2016 and subsequently adopted the name HTS after merging with other factions. Nevertheless, the UN, the US, the UK, and several other nations continue to classify it as a terrorist group. Its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who previously used the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has promised tolerance for various religious groups and communities. However, his group’s jihadist history has led some to doubt whether it will uphold such pledges. UN envoy Geir Pedersen, who met al-Sharaa on Sunday, emphasized that Syria must undergo a “credible and inclusive” transition. Qatar has also dispatched a delegation to Syria to meet with transitional government officials in anticipation of its embassy’s re-opening on Tuesday, 13 years after its closure. Western countries have not yet proceeded with re-opening their embassies, but in the past two days, the US and the UK indicated they had been in contact with HTS. The British government clarified that the Islamist-led rebel group remains a proscribed terrorist organization, despite initiating “diplomatic contact” with the group. Speaking on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Moscow and Tehran “should not have a place in Syria’s future.”