In a surprising turn of events following the collapse of the Syrian capital, Damascus, former President Bashar al-Assad has officially communicated his position regarding his unexpected situation. In a statement attributed to him, Assad claims he did not intend to seek refuge in Russia amid the turmoil. This statement was reportedly released via the Telegram channel associated with the Syrian presidency. However, the authenticity of the statement raises questions, particularly concerning who is currently in charge of that channel and whether Assad himself is behind the message.
The statement comes in the wake of Damascus falling to opposition forces, notably those associated with the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). In his communication, Assad recounts his journey to a Russian military base in the Latakia province during the insurgent’s rapid advance. He emphasizes he was there to “oversee combat operations.” However, he quickly observed that his troops had largely abandoned their posts, leaving him vulnerable and without a clear route to continue his leadership.
Assad revealed that Hmeimim airbase, crucial for Russian military operations in Syria, endured severe drone attacks. As the situation deteriorated, it was decided that he should be evacuated to Moscow for safety. Assad describes the conditions on December 8, the day the statement asserts he was effectively cut off from any means of escape as the Russian base found itself besieged.
In a segment of his statement, Assad claimed that there was no serious consideration for him to resign or to look for refuge outside Syria. He insisted that at no point did he receive proposals for his resignation from any party or person, expressing a sentiment that when a state falls under the control of terrorists, the purpose of any leadership becomes moot. The message conveyed a dramatic mix of desperation and defiance amidst his precarious circumstances.
As cities and territories across Syria fell to militia violence orchestrated by HTS from their previous incarnation as Jabhat al-Nusra, speculations arose about the whereabouts of Assad. Reports indicated that even his prime minister was unable to reach him during the critical moments of rebel advances. Russian media subsequently suggested that Assad had received asylum in Russia after he vanished from the public eye.
The ongoing rebellion led by HTS is part of a broader push towards establishing a transitional government in Syria that would reflect a diverse array of representatives. HTS, which has been linked historically to the al-Qaeda network, began its existence under different names but reformed in 2016 as it rebranded itself to distance from those connections. The group’s leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa—previously known by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani—has articulated a supposed commitment to tolerance among Syria’s varied religious and ethnic communities, yet skepticism remains about whether HTS will hold true to these pledges given its past.
The implications of Assad’s statement are profound, as they come during a pivotal moment for Syria’s future. With the fall of crucial strongholds and a government that has long struggled with legitimacy in the eyes of many Syrians, the situation on the ground continues to evolve. Reports attribute a quasi-celebratory atmosphere among rebel factions as they celebrate perceived victories against the Assad regime. Such developments are indicative of a shifting power balance within a country that has seen nearly a decade of brutal conflict, highlighting the complexity of the political and social landscape in Syria moving forward.
