On Monday, Syria’s deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad broke his silence for the first time since a coalition of opposition militias toppled his regime's decades-long reign over the war-torn nation.
In an English-language message shared on the Syrian presidency's Telegram channel, the former ruler revealed he had stayed in Damascus throughout the successful rebel assault launched on November 27 before being transferred to Russia's Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia on December 8. He explained the relocation was necessary "to oversee combat operations" after insurgent forces took control of areas in the capital's outskirts.
While at his new venue, al-Assad said the facility came under drone attack, and "with no viable means of leaving the base, Moscow requested that the base's command arrange an immediate evacuation to Russia."
“At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual or party. The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught,” the statement read. “When the state falls into the hands of terrorism and the ability to make a meaningful contribution is lost, any position becomes void of purpose, rendering its occupation meaningless.”
Media reports have indicated that al-Assad and his family remain in Moscow after receiving asylum from his long-time ally, President Vladimir Putin.
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