Former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad has said his departure from Syria was unplanned, blaming his evacuation on Russian allies. Assad stated that Russian forces evacuated him from Hmeimim airbase in western Syria during a drone attack as opposition forces closed in on Damascus.
In his first public comments since his regime’s fall, Assad portrayed himself as a steadfast leader who remained in Damascus until its capture on 8 December. He denied any plans to flee, asserting his focus was on resisting the advancing opposition forces led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
HTS, an Islamist group previously linked to Al-Qaeda, launched a swift offensive from northern Syria in late November. The group captured Aleppo, Hama, and Homs before declaring the end of the Assad regime after taking Damascus.
Assad Defends His Legacy Amid Revelations
Speaking via a Telegram channel linked to the Syrian presidency, Assad claimed he never considered stepping down or seeking refuge. He emphasized his commitment to “fighting the terrorist onslaught” and rejected accusations of corruption.
“I never sought personal gain but viewed myself as a custodian of a national project supported by Syrians,” Assad stated. However, the fall of his regime revealed vast wealth accumulated by his family, including luxury cars and designer goods.
Assad now resides in Moscow under asylum with his family. Across Syria, celebrations erupted following his ousting, with many Syrians searching for loved ones who disappeared in his brutal prison system. Sites like Sednaya prison symbolized the torture and killings under Assad’s rule.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden marked the end of Assad’s rule, calling it a “moment of historic justice” for Syrians. Biden expressed hope that Syria could now build a better future free from decades of oppression.