Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, speaking publicly for the first time since the collapse of his regime on December 8, has refuted claims that he fled Syria in the final hours of the decisive rebel offensive. In a written statement from Russia, Assad insisted that his departure was necessitated by escalating drone attacks on Damascus, not a planned escape.
“My departure from Syria was neither planned nor did it occur during the final hours of the battle, as some have claimed. On the contrary, I remained in Damascus, carrying out my duties until the early hours of Sunday, December 8, 2024,” Assad stated. He added that he had moved to Lattakia to coordinate combat operations with the assistance of Russian allies before being evacuated to Russia.
The fall of Assad’s regime marked a dramatic turn in Syria’s protracted civil war. After ruling Syria for 24 years, Assad’s grip on power crumbled under the weight of a swift and coordinated assault by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a powerful Islamist coalition. HTS, formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda, launched an offensive that swiftly overran Damascus, forcing the Syrian Army to retreat and leaving the nation’s capital in rebel hands.
Reflecting on these events, Assad described Syria as being “in the hands of terrorism.” He claimed his leadership had always been driven by nationalistic aspirations rather than personal motives. “I have never sought positions for personal gain but have always considered myself a custodian of a national project, supported by the faith of the Syrian people, who believed in its vision,” he said.
Assad’s remarks also revealed his deep regret over the current state of Syria. “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, rendering its occupation meaningless,” he asserted.
Despite his ousting, Assad emphasized his enduring connection to Syria and expressed hope for the country’s recovery. “It is a belonging filled with hope that Syria will once again be free and independent,” he said, vowing that his bond with the Syrian people remains unbroken.
Assad’s rise to power in 2000 followed the nearly 30-year rule of his father, Hafez al-Assad. Once considered unshakable, his regime succumbed to the mounting pressures of internal dissent and external insurgencies, culminating in the HTS-led offensive that sealed his downfall.
The former President’s statement highlights the devastating consequences of the conflict, with Syria now splintered and controlled by various factions. While Assad maintained his narrative of resilience and dedication to the nation, his ouster marks the end of an era and raises questions about Syria’s future under fragmented rule.
Assad’s comments, issued from Russia where he now resides, underscore his belief that his removal from power was a setback for Syria rather than a personal defeat. His words reflect the complexity of Syria’s ongoing turmoil, as the country faces an uncertain future amid deepening divisions and external influences.