Breaking News: First statement from Assad after seeking refuge in Russia! 'Until December 8...'

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who left the country and took refuge in Russia with his family after jihadist groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured the capital Damascus on December 8, has spoken for the first time.

According to a report by Al Arabiya, based on a statement released by Assad in the form of a letter from Moscow, he did not leave Syria in a planned manner and continued to perform his presidential duties until December 8.

Assad stated, "I did not consider leaving the country or resigning until December 8. When Damascus was entered, I went to Latakia with Russian coordination."

The message, published under the signature of Bashar al-Assad, noted the following:

"First of all, my departure from Syria was not planned, and it did not happen in the final moments of the war as some claim. On the contrary, I was performing my duties in Damascus until the early hours of Sunday, December 8, 2024. When terrorist forces infiltrated Damascus, I moved to Latakia to coordinate operations with our Russian allies. Upon our arrival at the Hmeimim airbase that morning, it became clear that we had completely withdrawn from all front lines and that the last military positions had fallen. As the situation in the region continued to deteriorate, the Russian military base itself came under intense drone attacks. When there was no way out left, Moscow requested that the base command organize an emergency evacuation to Russia on the evening of Sunday, December 8. This took place one day after the fall of Damascus and after all remaining state institutions had been paralyzed following the collapse of military positions.

"THE ONLY OPTION WAS TO CONTINUE THE STRUGGLE"

During these events, I neither considered leaving my post nor sought asylum; such an offer was not presented by any individual or party. The only option was to continue the struggle in the face of the terrorist attack.

The person who refused to sell the salvation of the nation for personal gain or compromise from the first day of the war is the same person who accompanied soldiers and officers on the front lines of the army. That person stood against terrorists in the most dangerous areas of the war; yet, even in the most difficult moments, he did not abandon his country and his people. This same person remained with his family under bombing and constant terrorist attacks targeting the capital for more than 14 years and fought against terrorism. A person who has never abandoned his support for the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance or disappointed those who are committed to it cannot be the person who abandons his own people in difficult times.

"I ASSUMED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROTECTING THEIR CHOICES UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT"

I never sought a position for personal gain; I saw myself as the guardian of a national project. I carried this project, supported by the faith of the Syrian people and those who believed in its vision, with an unwavering belief in the will and ability to protect the state. I assumed the responsibility of defending its institutions and protecting their choices until the last moment.

"THIS SITUATION DOES NOT DIMINISH MY SENSE OF BELONGING TO SYRIA AND ITS PEOPLE"

When the state falls into the hands of terrorism and the ability to make a meaningful contribution is lost, any position loses its purpose, and occupying that position becomes meaningless. However, this situation does not in any way diminish my deep sense of belonging to Syria and its people. This is a bond that is not affected by any position or circumstance. This belonging is filled with the hope that Syria will one day be free and independent again."