Ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad claimed in a Facebook statement that he intended to remain and fight in Syria after Damascus fell to insurgents but was evacuated to Russia by his allies following drone attacks on their base. New leadership in Syria has called for international recognition and cooperation, including revisiting the U.S. designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist group.
Assad’s Ouster and Evacuation: Quick Looks
- Assad’s Claims: Assad stated he was evacuated to Russia after the fall of Damascus, rejecting rumors of pre-planned departure.
- New Leadership: Rebel-led transitional government seeks global recognition and improved relations with neighboring countries.
- HTS Designation: New leaders request the U.S. reconsider labeling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham a terrorist group.
- Kurdish Relations: The government emphasizes unity while asserting control over all Syrian territory, including Kurdish regions.
- Israeli Airstrikes: Israel intensifies strikes in Syria, targeting missile warehouses and seizing a border buffer zone.
Assad: Russia Forced My Evacuation After Insurgent Takeover of Damascus
Deep Look
Assad’s Account of His Evacuation
In his first public remarks since his overthrow, former Syrian President Bashar Assad denied speculation that he had pre-arranged his departure from Damascus. Assad stated he left the capital on December 8, shortly after insurgents seized control. He relocated to the Russian-operated Hmeimim airbase in Latakia, planning to continue fighting.
“When the Russian base was attacked by drones, they decided to evacuate me to Russia,” Assad explained, asserting he never considered stepping down or seeking refuge elsewhere.
Syria’s New Government Seeks Global Recognition
Obeida Arnaout, a spokesperson for the newly formed transitional government, declared the Assad regime “finished with no return” and urged Russia to reevaluate its presence in Syria. The new leadership emphasized plans for diplomatic outreach, including a call for the U.S. to reassess its designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist organization.
“Syria is entering a new era, open to the world,” Arnaout stated, advocating for improved relations with neighboring nations and international partners.
Concerns Over Extremist Influence
The rise of a jihadi-led coalition, including HTS, has raised fears among minority groups about potential Sunni Islamist dominance in post-Assad Syria. Arnaout sought to reassure the public, stressing that the government aims to protect the rights of all ethnic and religious groups.
Kurdish Autonomy in Question
While the transitional government pledged to safeguard Kurdish rights, it also insisted that all Syrian territory must fall under Damascus’ authority. This stance adds uncertainty to the future of Kurdish-led regions in the northeast, where U.S.-backed forces have been key allies in the fight against ISIS.
Escalating Israeli Airstrikes
Israel has ramped up its military operations in Syria following Assad’s downfall, targeting missile warehouses and dismantling former Syrian military defenses. The strikes have been described as the most intense in the coastal region since 2012. Israel has also seized a buffer zone along the border, drawing criticism for violating ceasefire agreements and potentially exploiting Syria’s turmoil for territorial gains.
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