Mon Dec 16 13:35:13 UTC 2024: ## Assad Denies Planned Departure After Syrian Regime Collapse
**Moscow, Russia** – Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, speaking for the first time since his regime’s collapse last week, has vehemently denied reports of a planned departure from Syria. In a statement released from Russia, where he was evacuated following the fall of Damascus on December 8th, 2024, Assad attributed his relocation to a necessary measure prompted by a rapid offensive from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions, and subsequent drone attacks.
Assad, who came to power in 2000, described the situation in Syria as being overrun by terrorism. He stated that his evacuation to Russia on December 9th followed the collapse of all military positions in the face of the HTS advance, which reached Damascus on December 7th. The former president clarified that he oversaw combat operations from the Russian-controlled Khmeimim airbase in Latakia after fleeing the capital, but that the situation ultimately became untenable. He added that the evacuation to Russia was arranged by Moscow after a request from the Khmeimim base command.
Dismissing speculation surrounding his departure, Assad insisted that he never considered relinquishing power or seeking refuge, stating his intention was to continue fighting the “terrorist onslaught.” He asserted that the narrative of a liberation revolution was a fabrication intended to mask the reality of a terrorist takeover.
While once considered unassailable, Assad’s rule ended abruptly after HTS, formerly known as the Al-Nusra Front, launched a swift offensive, ultimately seizing control of Damascus. Assad, currently in exile in Moscow, maintained his unwavering commitment to Syria despite the fall of his regime.
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