Assad paints himself as ‘custodian’ to Syria as picture unfolds on collapse of Damascus

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad released a statement on Monday, seeking to portray himself as a dedicated “custodian” of his nation who fought “against the terrorist onslaught” before being forced to flee to Russia. Assad, infamous for his brutal and oppressive tactics during the civil war, emphasized his commitment to Syria and expressed hope for the country’s freedom and independence once again.

After nearly 14 years of conflict, human rights abuses, and harsh living conditions in Syria, Assad was ousted on December 8 following a major offensive by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. The offensive swept western Syria, taking over Damascus in a matter of weeks. Assad’s departure to Moscow had been known for a week, but the details remained unclear until his statement on Telegram.

Assad countered what he described as a “flood of misinformation and narratives far removed from the truth,” aimed at portraying international terrorism as a liberation revolution for Syria. He claimed to have fought in Syria for as long as possible and detailed his departure from Damascus to Lattakia in coordination with Russian allies.

Upon arriving at the Hmeimim Air Base, Assad noted that all Syrian army positions in the area had fallen, and opposition forces were targeting the base with drone strikes. He stated that Moscow requested an immediate evacuation to Russia, as rebel groups swept the nation. Assad claimed to have stood alongside army officers and soldiers on the front lines during intense battles.

Despite years of reports on human rights abuses, torture, mass detentions, and executions, Assad defended his actions, stating that he never sought personal gain but considered himself a custodian of a national project supported by the Syrian people. He emphasized his unwavering belief in the people’s ability to protect the state, defend its institutions, and uphold their choices.

Assad’s statement sheds light on the events leading to his departure from Syria and his perspective on the conflict. While his actions have been widely criticized, his portrayal as a custodian of the nation provides insight into his mindset during the tumultuous years of the civil war.