Former President of Syria Bashar al-Assad has made his first statement since fleeing the country. He announced that he had been in Damascus until the morning of December 8 and left the country only that evening, and that he never considered resigning or fleeing. The statement was published by Assad’s office on Telegram, and was also quoted by Reuters from the channel.
This is a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Syria, as Assad’s whereabouts and plans have been a topic of much speculation since his sudden disappearance from the public eye. His statement serves as a confirmation of his presence in the country and his determination to stay in power.
Assad’s statement comes at a crucial time, as the Syrian government has been facing increasing pressure from the international community and opposition forces. The country has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011, with rebels seeking to overthrow Assad’s regime. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of people displaced.
In his statement, Assad asserted that he had been in Damascus all along and had no intention of leaving the country. He also denied any plans of resigning, stating that he was committed to fulfilling his duties as the President of Syria. This declaration is a strong message to his opponents that he is not backing down and will continue to fight for his position.
The timing of Assad’s statement is significant as well, as it comes just a few days after the United States announced its withdrawal of troops from Syria. This move has been met with criticism from many, who fear that it could lead to a resurgence of ISIS in the region. Assad’s statement can be seen as a way to reassure the Syrian people and the international community that he is still in control and the country is stable.
Assad’s statement has also sparked speculation about his sudden disappearance from the public eye. Some believe that he may have been seeking medical treatment, while others suggest that he was in hiding due to fears for his safety. However, his statement puts these rumors to rest and confirms that he was in fact in Damascus during this time.
The use of Telegram as the platform for publishing the statement is also significant. Telegram is a popular messaging app in Syria, and it is believed that Assad’s office chose this platform to reach a wider audience within the country. This shows that Assad is aware of the importance of social media and is making efforts to communicate with his people directly.
Assad’s statement has received mixed reactions, with some expressing skepticism and others showing support. However, it is clear that his declaration has only added fuel to the ongoing conflict in Syria. The opposition forces and their supporters are unlikely to back down, and the international community will continue to pressure Assad to step down and allow for a peaceful transition of power.
In conclusion, Assad’s first statement since fleeing the country is a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Syria. It serves as a confirmation of his presence in the country and his determination to stay in power, and also sends a strong message to his opponents. While the situation in Syria remains complex and uncertain, Assad’s statement has shed some light on his whereabouts and intentions, and has sparked further debate and speculation.
