Bashar al-Assad made his first official statement after fleeing Syria.
The document was published by the office of the fugitive president. Assad made a statement in Moscow. He claims he had no plans to leave the country.
I remained in Damascus on duty until December 8th. When terrorist forces infiltrated Damascus, I moved to Latakia [на авіабазу «Хмеймім”] to coordinate military actions with our Russian allies,” Assad says.
According to him, the Khmeimim base was attacked by UAVs, so the Kremlin ordered the command to organize an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of December 8.
“Not once during these events did I think of resigning or seeking refuge; no person or party made such a proposal,” added the fugitive president.
Assad continued to coordinate military operations with Russian allies until the Khmeimim base came under attack. He did not consider the possibility of resignation and always remained with the people on the front line. Assad noted that “his connection with Syria remains unshakable, despite the collapse of state structures, and he continues to believe in the restoration of the country’s independence.”
Reuters wrote that Assad did not warn fans and family members about fleeing Damascus. At the same time, a few hours before the evacuation, the dictator reportedly gathered about 30 intelligence and army officials and announced that “military assistance from Russia is on the way.”
Over two years, the Assad regime delivered $250 million to Russia. in cash. FT writes about this.
In 2018-2019, almost two tons of cash in 100 dollar bills were taken to the Russian Vnukovo airport. and 500 euros. The transfers took place at a time when Syria was critically short of foreign currency due to sanctions. In particular, the funds were sent to two Russian banks that were under US sanctions.
The publication writes that for this money Syria bought wheat from Russia, paid for the printing of new Syrian banknotes and defense expenses.
Let us remind you that Bashar al-Assad fled from Damascus on a plane on December 8. The dictator’s wife and children were already waiting for him in Moscow.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.