Mon Dec 16 14:06:14 UTC 2024: ## Ousted Syrian Leader Assad Denies Pre-Planned Escape, Says Russia Evacuated Him After Base Attack
**Moscow, Russia** – Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a statement denying pre-planned escape from Damascus following its fall to insurgent groups a week ago. In a Facebook post, Assad claims he left the capital on December 8th, hours after insurgents stormed the city, and coordinated his departure with Russian allies to a Russian base in Latakia. He states that a subsequent drone attack on the base prompted the Russians to evacuate him to Russia on the night of December 8th.
Assad vehemently refutes reports suggesting a pre-planned exit or any consideration of stepping down. He insists his only intention was to continue fighting against what he terms a “terrorist onslaught.” This statement marks Assad’s first public comment since the fall of Damascus.
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