Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued his first remarks since opposition forces took over Syria, claiming his departure from the country was not planned and did not occur in the final hours of the battles against rebel forces. The statement, posted on the deposed Syrian presidency's Telegram account from Moscow, asserts that Assad fought alongside the army until the end and moved to a military airbase in Latakia as rebel forces entered the capital. The statement denies any consideration of stepping down or seeking refuge, emphasizing the need to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught. Meanwhile, rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, including leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, have taken control of Damascus, prompting international discussions on how to engage with Syria's interim leadership and lift sanctions.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/nx-s1-5230245/bashar-assad-syria-telegram-statement