Syrian dictator Assad fled to Russia without notifying close aides, including his brother Maher al-Assad, as reported by Reuters. The report, based on interviews with 14 witnesses, reveals that Damascus seemed likely to fall to rebels, prompting Assad’s departure.
Hours before his escape, Assad assured military commanders of Russian support, which he had been denied during a meeting with Putin on November 28. Assad left his presidential palace hastily, leaving personal items behind, and flew undetected to Moscow.
According to Bloomberg, Russia urged Assad to flee to avoid a massacre. His wife and children were already in Moscow.
Initially, Assad considered fleeing to the UAE, which allegedly refused due to his controversial actions. Maher al-Assad managed to escape to Iraq by helicopter and is now believed to be in Russia.
Two maternal cousins were ambushed while fleeing to Lebanon; one was killed, and the other injured.
Source: NOS