Assad’s Secret Escape: How the Syrian President Fled as His Regime Collapsed
By Kardo Roj
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria under the cover of secrecy, leaving his aides, officials, and even close relatives in the dark about his plans as his regime collapsed.
According to sources cited by Reuters, Assad’s departure unfolded in a calculated yet stealthy manner, culminating in his escape to Russia as Damascus fell to opposition forces on December 8, marking the end of his 24-year rule and his family’s half-century grip on power.
A Deceptive Final Act
Hours before his escape, Assad convened a meeting at the Syrian defense ministry, assuring over 30 military and security officials that Russian reinforcements were imminent and urging them to hold their positions. According to a commander who attended the meeting, Assad’s words masked his true intentions, as he had already planned his departure.
One of Assad’s closest aides revealed that he had informed his presidential office manager on Saturday evening that he was heading home after work. Instead, he made his way to the airport. Similarly, Assad requested his media adviser, Buthaina Shaaban, to join him at his residence to help draft a speech. She arrived only to find the house deserted.
“He didn’t even make a last stand. He left his supporters to face their fate,” said Nadim Houri, executive director of the Arab Reform Initiative.
Flight to Moscow
Assad’s escape was meticulously planned. According to regional diplomats, he left Damascus aboard a plane with its transponder turned off to evade detection. He first flew to Russia’s Hmeimim airbase in Latakia before continuing to Moscow, where the Kremlin has granted him political asylum.
The Syrian opposition’s swift takeover of the capital left little room for resistance. Even Assad’s brother, Maher al-Assad, commander of the elite 4th Armored Division, was reportedly uninformed about the escape. Maher eventually fled to Iraq by helicopter and later joined Assad in Russia.
Chaos Among Inner Circles
The dramatic collapse of Assad’s regime left many of his closest allies in disarray. Maternal cousins Ehab and Eyad Makhlouf, part of the powerful Makhlouf family, attempted to flee to Lebanon but were ambushed by rebels. Eyad was wounded, and Ehab was reportedly killed.
The collapse also marked the conclusion of Syria’s devastating 13-year civil war, which saw widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life.
Post-Assad Syria
In the aftermath of Assad’s departure, opposition forces and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have assumed control of Damascus. Regional and international actors, including the United States, Turkey, and France, are grappling with the new political landscape and the potential implications for Syria’s future.
Observers note that Assad’s escape reflects a leader desperate to preserve his personal safety while abandoning a nation in turmoil. His departure has sparked debates over justice and accountability for years of conflict and human rights abuses under his rule.
International Implications
Russia’s granting of asylum to Assad has drawn criticism from human rights groups and governments calling for accountability. Meanwhile, the international community faces the challenge of navigating a post-Assad Syria and addressing the aspirations of its diverse communities for a peaceful and inclusive future.
As Syria turns a new page, the legacy of Assad’s rule and the scars of war will likely shape its trajectory for years to come.