BEIRUT: In his first remarks since relinquishing power, Syria’s Bashar al-Assad said he was evacuated to Russia from the Hmeimim base on December 8 as it came under drone attack. He had left Damascus that morning as opposition forces were closing in.
On December 16, he posted a written statement from Moscow, where he has been granted shelter, via the Syrian presidency’s Telegram channel.
Following more than 50 years of strict family rule, he was overthrown when insurgent forces led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a quick onslaught across Syria.
According to the statement describing the events, “At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual party,” Assad added.
