In a Telegram statement released Monday, Bashar al-Assad presented himself as a steadfast guardian of Syria, battling a “terrorist onslaught” before his departure to Russia.
After fifteen years marked by oppressive tactics during the civil war, Assad asserted his unwavering commitment to Syria, expressing hope for a free and independent future.
Following nearly fourteen years of conflict, widespread human rights violations, and harsh living conditions for Syrians, Assad was forced to leave Syria on December 8th, following a rapid rebel advance across western Syria.
Assad sought to counter what he termed a disinformation campaign, aiming to portray the conflict as a liberation revolution, insisting he fought for Syria as long as possible.
While Assad’s flight to Moscow following the offensive had been reported, details remained unclear until this statement.
Assad stated that he remained in Damascus until the morning of December 8th.
“As terrorist forces infiltrated Damascus, I relocated to Lattakia in coordination with our Russian allies to oversee combat operations,” he wrote.
He described arriving at Hmeimim Air Base, where Russian forces have been stationed since 2015, to find Syrian army positions lost and the base under increasing drone attacks.
“With no viable escape route, Moscow requested the base command arrange an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of December 8th,” Assad explained.
He claimed to have fought alongside Syrian soldiers on the front lines, facing intense combat.
Assad further defended his regime’s actions, claiming he “refused to trade his nation’s salvation for personal gain or compromise his people despite various offers and enticements.”
Despite reports of human rights abuses, torture, mass arbitrary detentions—including of children—and executions, Assad maintained his actions were for the Syrian people.
“I have never sought power for personal gain but always viewed myself as a custodian of a national project, supported by the Syrian people’s faith,” he stated. “I have held an unwavering belief in their will and capacity to protect the state, defend its institutions, and uphold their choices to the very end.”