Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:25pm on 16 Dec 2024,Monday International
Bashar al-Assad, in his first statement since losing power, said he planned to keep fighting rebels but left Syria at Russia’s request. He revealed he was evacuated from the Hmeimim base on December 8 after it came under attack. Assad stated he had stayed in Damascus until that morning, denying claims he fled in the conflict's final hours. He clarified he never considered stepping down or seeking refuge, calling his presidency meaningless after rebels took control. Russia has granted asylum to Assad and his family. The rebel offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, marked a major setback for Moscow.
