Bashar El-Assad “justifies his flight” and denies having abandoned his army or his entourage

It is through a press release dated December 16 and published from Moscow on the social networks of the former Syrian presidency, “after several unsuccessful attempts at dissemination in the Arab and international media”, that deposed President Bashar El-Assad spoke for the first time since his overthrow on December 8.

This press release, written in Arabic and English, “does not address the reasons for the rapid collapse of the regime's army nor the regime's atrocities, exposed after its fall,” comments on the Lebanese site Al-Modon. Rather, its main purpose is to “justify his flight from Syria to Russia without warning regime officials and those close to him”, can we read on the channel's website Syria TV, which is headquartered in Istanbul.

“Flow of disinformation”

“My departure from Syria was not premeditated nor did it take place during the final hours of the battle,” unlike the “flood of disinformation and stories far from the truth, intended to pass off international terrorism as a liberation movement”, writes Bachar El-Assad.

While several sources indicated that he fled late in the evening of December 7, Assad claims to be “remained in Damascus, fulfilling [son] duty until Sunday, December 8 at dawn”.

“Terrorists” in charge

Upon entry of “terrorist forces” in the Syrian capital, the ousted president “moved” towards the Russian military base of Hmeimim, near Latakia, on the coast, “to supervise military operations”. But then the base was attacked by drones. “With no viable means of leaving the base, Moscow demanded […] an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of Sunday, December 8,” explains Bachar El-Assad.

“At no time have I considered resigning or seeking refuge, nor has such a proposal been made by any party. The only course of action was to continue fighting the terrorist onslaught,” he assures. Until events forced him to leave, he justifies. “When the state falls into the hands of terrorism and the capacity to make a meaningful contribution is lost, any position of responsibility becomes meaningless and […] useless.”