Syrian President Bashar al-Assad revealed he was evacuated to Russia from the Hmeimim air base on December 8 after the base came under drone attacks by opposition forces. The statement was published on the Syrian presidency’s Telegram channel on December 16 from Moscow.
According to Assad’s statement, he left Damascus that morning as opposition fighters were closing in on the capital. He was moved to the Hmeimim base, which hosts Russian military forces, but escalating drone attacks prompted an urgent evacuation to Moscow later that evening.
This development highlights the ongoing instability in Syria, where conflict has persisted for over a decade. Opposition groups continue to challenge the government, leading to heightened tensions and security concerns even in fortified areas.
Assad’s evacuation to Moscow underscores the close ties between Syria and Russia, a key ally in the region. Details about his activities in Russia or plans to return to Syria were not disclosed in the statement.
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Assad says he left Hmeimim base in Syria on December 8 for Moscow
cgtn.com
