Hadil Al-Shalchi
Appearances
NPR News Now
NPR News: 12-16-2024 6PM EST
In a statement posted on the Syrian presidency's telegram account, President Bashar al-Assad said his departure from Damascus was, quote, "...neither planned nor did it occur in the final hours of the battle." Esed said that as the rebel forces entered the capital on December 8th, he moved to a military airbase in the port city of Latakia in coordination with Russian allies.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 12-16-2024 6PM EST
Esed goes on to say that upon arrival at the base, it was clear that his army had withdrawn from all battle lines and all their positions had fallen. He said Moscow then arranged an immediate evacuation that evening as the base came under drone attacks. The statement was dated December 16th from Moscow. Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Damascus.