Syria’s Assad Blames ‘Terrorism’ for Regime’s Collapse in First Statement Since Defeat
In his first public statement since being ousted, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has attributed the collapse of his regime to terrorism. The statement was released on December 16, 2024, through the Syrian presidency’s official Telegram channel, following Assad’s flight to Russia after a rebel offensive successfully captured Damascus and other key cities.
Assad’s Departure:
Assad clarified that his departure from Syria was not premeditated and did not occur in the last moments of battle. He moved to Latakia, near the Russian military base at Khmeimim, to oversee combat operations after “terrorist forces” infiltrated Damascus. His statement detailed how, upon arriving at the base, he learned that Syrian forces had withdrawn from all battle lines and that the last military positions had fallen. With the situation deteriorating, including drone attacks on the Russian base, Moscow arranged for his evacuation to Russia.
Assad’s Defense:
In his statement, Assad portrayed himself as a steadfast leader who, during the war, refused personal gain or compromise, standing with the Syrian army on the front lines. He claimed to have remained in Syria, facing terrorism alongside his people until forced to leave due to the rapid advance of opposition forces. Assad emphasized his commitment to Syria’s national project, supported by what he described as the faith of the Syrian populace.
Post-Collapse Reflections:
Assad questioned the purpose of holding office once the state had fallen to what he termed “terrorism,” rendering any role meaningless. However, he expressed an enduring sense of belonging to Syria and its people, maintaining hope for the country’s freedom and independence in the future.
Reactions and Context:
The fall of Assad’s regime marks the end of a 24-year rule, following his succession from his father, Hafez al-Assad, in 2000. The swift collapse of his government has been attributed to several factors including economic instability, military weakness, and the withdrawal of support from key allies like Russia and Iran at critical moments. The rebel forces, primarily led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group with roots in al-Qaeda, have vowed to hold accountable those involved in Assad’s alleged human rights abuses.
Current Situation:
The Assad family’s rule over Syria, which began in 1971, has come to an abrupt end, with celebrations across Syrian cities as the rebels declared Damascus free of Assad’s influence. The transition of power and the future governance of Syria remain uncertain, with international observers calling for a peaceful and inclusive political process to stabilize the country.
