After fleeing to Russia, Assad makes first statement on his regime fall in Syria

This is stated in the Telegram channel of the dictator's office.

It is noted that Assad was in the Syrian capital of Damascus, performing his duties, until Sunday night, December 8. However, the day before, the administration had questions about the fate and whereabouts of the president.

‘As terrorist forces infiltrated Damascus, I moved to Latakia in coordination with our Russian allies to oversee combat operations. Upon arrival at the Khmeimim air base that morning, it became clear that our forces had completely withdrawn from all battle lines and that the last army positions had fallen,’ the statement reads.

Since it was impossible to leave the base, Moscow reportedly asked the base command to organize an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of Sunday, December 8.

‘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,’ Assad said.

How the Assad regime fell in Syria

A large-scale military operation of opposition forces against government forces took place in Syria. The Syrian opposition launched an offensive on the morning of November 27. On November 30, the rebels reached Aleppo, and on the same day, Russian aviation carried out airstrikes on the city for the first time since 2016. Russia also promised additional military assistance to the Assad regime.

On December 7, Syrian opposition forces announced that they had taken control of the city of Daraa, later claiming to have entered the capital Damascus and announcing the fall of the government of dictator Bashar al-Assad.

On December 8, the Russian Federation began to withdraw its warships from the base in Tartus, Syria, after the rebels took Damascus.

Later, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali said that Syria needs to hold free elections to give the people the opportunity to elect their leadership.

On December 10, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad was ‘safe’ in Russia.

The transitional government of Syria was headed by former Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir.

The next day, the White House held its first contacts with the Syrian rebels who had overthrown the Assad regime. They were urged not to automatically assume leadership of the country.

Subsequently, the Syrian Ba'ath Party, which had been led for decades by the family of dictator Bashar al-Assad, announced that it was suspending its work and activities until ‘further notice’.