Al-Assad confirms that he was evacuated by Russian forces and denies that this was anything ‘planned’

The Syrian presidency published this Monday a statement attributed to former President Bashar al Assad, in which it confirms that he was evacuated from a Russian base in Latakia province on December 8, and denies that his escape was anything “planned” or that it was . He is said to have proposed “to resign or seek refuge” in light of the offensive by jihadists and rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS).

In the statement, published through the Syrian Presidency’s account on the social network Facebook, Al Assad noted that “he remained in Damascus and carried out his duties until the early hours of December 8,” when “terrorist forces entered the capital” infiltrated”. which forced their transfer to Latakia.

For example, he said he was transferred to Latakia “in coordination with Russian allies” for the purpose of “overseeing combat operations.” “Upon arrival at Hmeimin Air Base, it became clear that our troops had completely withdrawn from all battle lines and the last military positions had fallen,” he stressed.

“As the situation on the ground in the area continued to deteriorate, the Russian military base came under intensive drone attacks. With no feasible means to leave the base, Moscow requested the command to coordinate an immediate evacuation on the afternoon of December 8.” the president explained.

“This took place a day after the fall of Damascus, and after the collapse of the last military positions and the resulting paralysis of all state institutions,” said Al Assad, who insisted he was not considering resigning “at any time” that “the only course of action was to continue the fight against the terrorist offensive.”