Bashar Al-Assad's final days and hours in Syria; here's a ball-by-ball account of how he fled

Bashar al-Assad's final hours as Syria's president were marked by secrecy, desperation, and an unannounced departure to Moscow. As rebel forces closed in on Damascus, Assad left his aides, officials, and even close relatives in the dark, escaping under the radar and ending 24 years of rule and his family's half-century-long hold on power.

Just hours before his departure, Assad addressed senior military and security officials, assuring them that Russian military support was imminent. According to a commander present at the briefing, he urged the ground forces to hold their positions. However, this claim turned out to be false, as Russia had no plans to intervene further.

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Assad told his presidential staff he was heading home after work but instead made his way to the airport. Even his trusted media adviser, Buthaina Shaaban, was left unaware. She arrived at his home to write a speech, only to find the residence empty. Assad’s younger brother, Maher al-Assad, and other close family members were also not informed. Maher eventually fled separately by helicopter to Iraq and then to Russia.

Moscow’s Role in Assad’s Exit

Despite declining to provide military aid, Moscow facilitated Assad's safe exit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov negotiated with regional players, including Qatar and Turkey, to ensure Assad’s flight was not intercepted. The journey began from Latakia’s Hmeimim airbase before continuing to Moscow, where Assad’s family was already waiting.

In his last days in Syria, Assad sought refuge in the UAE but was reportedly turned down due to fears of international backlash. Assad also refrained from requesting Iranian military intervention, aware that it might provoke Israeli retaliation.

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Videos shared by rebels showed Assad’s home in disarray, with personal belongings and cooked food left behind, suggesting a rushed exit. Meanwhile, the collapse of key cities like Aleppo and Homs and advancing rebel forces highlighted the dwindling control of Assad’s regime.

Assad’s last known conversation was with his prime minister, Mohammed Jalali, who described widespread panic and displacement in Homs. When Jalali expressed concerns about the dire situation, Assad replied ambiguously, “Tomorrow, we will see.” By the next morning, he was unreachable.

FAQs:

What role did Russia play in Assad’s escape?
Russia coordinated with neighboring states to ensure Assad’s plane could leave Syrian airspace safely but declined to provide military support to save his regime.

Did Assad inform his military commanders or family?
No, he misled military commanders, close aides, and even his brother Maher. Most were unaware of his plans until after he had left.