Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad released on Monday his first public statement since leaving Damascus on December 8, detailing the chaotic moments leading up to his departure for Russia.
The statement was released via the Syrian Presidency's Telegram account, addressing the rumors surrounding al-Assad's departure and the collapse of his government after more than 13 years of civil conflict.
Al-Assad insisted that he did not plan the departure and remained in the capital city until the early morning hours of December 8, attending to his responsibilities. When militant groups entered Damascus, he coordinated with "Russian friends" to relocate to the coastal province of Latakia, aiming to continue directing military operations from there, he added.
However, upon his arrival at Russia's Hmeimim Air Base, al-Assad realized that all remaining Syrian army positions had collapsed, and that ground forces had withdrawn from the front lines, said the statement.
With the situation deteriorating and the Russian base itself encountering drone attacks, al-Assad said Moscow arranged an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of December 8.
Al-Assad stated that before, the idea of asylum or abandoning his post had never been raised, citing that only one option he had is to continue fighting, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
He dismissed any thought that he would leave the people of Syria, stating he had turned down "deals and temptations" throughout the war. Al-Assad said he has stayed in Damascus with his family even during the worst years of conflict, bracing himself for repeated threats of militant advances for more than 13 years.
The ousted president described himself as a leader who never aspired to personal power, viewing his role part of a national project that was supported by the Syrian people.
With the state falling to what he described as "terrorists," and no capacity left with which to serve the public, he said the position of president became "meaningless."
However, al-Assad proclaimed that his national identity and loyalty to Syria are in no way changed, expecting the country one day will again be free and independent.
A militant alliance headed by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group on Nov. 27 has launched a major offensive in northern Syria and since taken the areas held by Al-Assad's government southward. After capturing the country's capital, Damascus and declaring the end of rule by Al-Assad on Dec 8, the alliance also announced the formation of Syria's new government.
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