After He Was Toppled, Former Syrian President Says His Country Has Entered ‘The Hands Of Terrorism’

Bashar al-Assad said Monday that Syria is in the hands of terrorism, the former president’s first statement since his ouster. 

Assad his departure from Syria was not planned and that Moscow requested his evacuation from a military base that was under attack.

“My departure from Syria was neither planned nor did it occur during the final hours of the battles,” said a statement on the ousted presidency’s Telegram channel, adding “Moscow requested… an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of Sunday December 8” after he moved to Latakia early that day.

“When the state falls into the hands of terrorism and the ability to make a meaningful contribution is lost, any position becomes void of purpose,” the statement added.