The ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad says he had planned to keep fighting but the Russians evacuated him.

Summary

Ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad claimed he was forcibly evacuated to Russia by Moscow, denying he planned to step down or seek refuge.

Assad emphasized his intent to continue fighting Syria’s civil war, despite Russia granting him asylum after rebels overthrew his government.

The Kremlin stated Assad resigned to ensure a peaceful power transfer, but Assad contradicted this. Rebels now control most of Syria, creating a security vacuum.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy urged American citizens to leave Syria, citing ongoing violence and instability, with no consular services available.

  • edric@lemm.eeEnglish
    43·
    2 days ago

    Pretty bold to be saying that against your host while seeking refuge with them.

  • tal@lemmy.todayEnglish
    16·
    1 day ago

    It sounds like this may not actually be Assad:

    https://www.twz.com/air/the-mystery-of-the-syrian-il-76-cargo-jet-that-went-missing-as-assad-fled

    The statement said to have been from Assad was posted through a channel on the Telegram social media network linked to the now-defunct Syrian regime earlier today, but it is unclear whether or not he actually drafted it and/or put it online. The deposed Syrian dictator has not been seen publicly in more than a week, despite Russian officials saying they have offered him asylum.

    • Blackmist@feddit.ukEnglish
      7·
      1 day ago

      It’s very sus that they didn’t present him to the media when they “rescued” him.

      I reckon they’re waiting for the lookalike to grow his moustache.

  • tunetardisEnglish
    26·
    2 days ago

    Wow. He might wanna stay away from high windows for the next little bit?

    • werefreeatlast@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      1 day ago

      Just the other day he was next to one such window and he couldn’t get away fast enough. Kept running away scared down the side of the building like the devil was running behind him. I would say he was gunning it close to 9.8 meters per second squared but I’m a little rusty.

  • deegeese@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    28·
    2 days ago

    Assad shows up at a Russian military base asking for help.

    The Russian army had already gone to Ukraine so the only help they could offer was a flight to Moscow.

    Now he wants to say he didn’t mean to run.

  • tal@lemmy.todayEnglish
    13·
    2 days ago

    Assad emphasized his intent to continue fighting Syria’s civil war

    You might want to clear that with the Kremlin. Starting conflicts with State A while in asylum under the protection of State B is the sort of thing that tends to create friction between State A and State B.

    I expect that the Kremlin isn’t going to want you doing that out of Russia unless you’ve a pretty solid chance of success.