Earlier this month, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by a group of rebels who took control of the country.
In the weeks since Assad’s government was toppled, there have been no public statements from the former Syrian leader.
Now, a new statement attributed to Assad has been released on social media. It claims that Assad didn’t intentionally flee Syria but was evacuated by the Russian military.
Here’s what you need to know.
Background
Bashar al-Assad became President in 2000, succeeding his father Hafez al-Assad, who had ruled for 29 years. His government received military support from Iran and Russia.
Following peaceful protests against Assad’s government in 2011, the regime killed protesters and other civilians, leading to a civil war.
Earlier this month, a group of rebel forces overthrew the government. The group of rebels were led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Assad’s statement
Soon after the rebels overthrew Assad’s regime, Russian state media reported Assad and his family had been granted asylum by Russia — a long-time ally.
A statement attributed to Assad, published on the Syrian Presidency’s Telegram account, says he did not plan to go to Russia.
“As terrorist forces infiltrated Damascus [the capital], I moved to [western Syria] in coordination with our Russian allies… it became clear that our forces had completely withdrawn from all battle lines… Moscow requested [an] immediate evacuation.”
The statement says Assad had no intention of stepping down from the presidency, but now believes his position has become “meaningless” because “the state [fell] into the hands of terrorism”.
“This does not, in any way, diminish my profound sense of belonging to Syria and her people… It is a belonging filled with hope that Syria will once again be free and independent.”
HTS
HTS is now the most powerful force in Syria. It was originally set up in 2011 as Jabhat al-Nusra, and was directly connected to al-Qaeda.
The former leader of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was also involved in the creation of HTS.
In 2016, under the leadership of an individual called Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, the group cut ties with al-Qaeda and changed its name.
It is listed as a terrorist organisation in Australia.
HTS leader Al-Jawlani has now reverted to his birth name, Ahmed al-Sharaa. He has appointed several interim ministers who will serve until “constitutional issues are decided” in March.
This ‘caretaker government’ says it’s begun work to set up a new army and police force, and re-opened schools.
Al-Sharaa has met with the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, to discuss “the need for a credible and inclusive… political transition”.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also issued a statement welcoming “the Caretaker Government’s commitment to protect civilians.”
Terrorist designation
Al-Sharaa has said he wants other countries and the UN to stop listing HTS as a terrorist organisation.
When a country officially declares a group to be a terrorist organisation, its government will generally avoid engaging with that group. Typically, it also becomes a criminal offence for citizens to support or join the group.
Removing HTS from countries’ lists of terrorist organisations would mean international governments could hold more open discussions, and possibly provide funding to Syria.
The interim government has held recent talks with international representatives, including from the U.S. and the European Union. The contents of these discussions have not been published.
U.S. Government spokesperson Matthew Miller said America would judge HTS “by actions, not by statements” as it considers removing HTS from its list of terrorist organisations.
Al-Sharaa and Pedersen have also asked the U.S. and other governments to remove financial restrictions on Syria imposed under the Assad regime. Pedersen agreed, saying the UN hopes “to see a quick end to sanctions”.
