In the first statement made after fleeing to Russia, Bashar al-Assad says he remained in the country’s capital until the morning of December 8 and left the republic later that evening.
In a statement published on the official Telegram channel of Assad’s press service, the former President said he headed to Latakia “when the terrorists entered Damascus.”
Assad also stated that he never considered resigning or fleeing the country.
“At no time during the recent events did I consider resigning or seeking asylum in another country, nor did I receive any such proposals,” reads the documents titled “Explanation by President Bashar al-Assad of the circumstances that led to his departure from Syria” and, according to the text, was written in Moscow.
Assad emphasized that he was determined to “continue the fight against the militant onslaught.” At the same time, he noted that, in his opinion, “when the state falls into the hands of terrorists, any position within it loses its significance.”
