Bashar al-Assad speaks for the first time after ousting
Bashar al-Assad declared that Syria had “fallen into the hands of terrorists” in his first statement since fleeing the country.
Several senior Syrian officials had told AFP that the president left the country without informing the rest of his family. However, the head of state denied this, explaining that he departed Syria at Russia's request and only after the fall of Damascus had been confirmed.
"My departure from Syria was not premeditated, nor did it take place during the final hours of the battle, contrary to certain allegations," he said in a statement published on Telegram. "On the contrary, I stayed in Damascus, doing my duty until dawn on Sunday 8 December."
Bashar al-Assad took refuge at the Russian base in Hmeimim, a military base that has been targeted by drone attacks.
The former president, who had ruled the Middle Eastern country since 2000, was ousted following a swift attack by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani.
(QG - Source: Le Figaro / Picture: © Pixabay)