Bashar al-Assad claimed Monday that Syria is in the hands of terrorists, in his first public remark since being deposed.
Assad stated that his departure from Syria was not planned and that Moscow had urged his evacuation from an under-attack military post.
“My departure from Syria was neither planned nor occurred during the final hours of the battles,” said a statement on the ousted presidency’s Telegram channel.
“Moscow requested… an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of Sunday, December 8, after he moved to Latakia early that day.
“When the state falls into the hands of terrorism and the ability to make a meaningful contribution is lost, any position becomes void of purpose,” the press release stated.
