Damascus, DZWatch – In an exclusive interview, Syrian President Ahmed al-Share revealed details surrounding the final hours leading to the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the subsequent control of Damascus by opposition forces. This marked the end of five decades of Assad family rule in Syria.
Speaking to DZWatch during a documentary titled “Damascus Keys,” al-Share stated that communications occurred between the “Deterrence of Aggression” operation room and Russian counterparts during the offensive. This operation, launched by the Syrian opposition, culminated in Assad’s downfall a year prior. Al-Share emphasized that these exchanges signaled the regime’s imminent collapse.
He further elaborated that the rapid pace of “Deterrence of Aggression” surprised Israel, who were allegedly planning an attack on Syria following the end of the Lebanese war. Al-Share explained that the Russian side sent a message after “Deterrence of Aggression” forces secured the western Aleppo countryside, stating: “Stop here and take what you have taken, or the situation will escalate.”
Al-Share interpreted this message as confirmation of the Assad regime’s crumbling state.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani added that a meeting was held with Russian representatives at the Bab al-Hawa crossing just hours before Assad’s fall. He stated that the Russians were informed of the evolving situation and potential future relations between the two sides.
In the documentary, al-Shibani recounted meeting with Arab and foreign ambassadors in Damascus the day after the regime’s collapse. He explained the new political landscape and the new government’s desire to cooperate with all nations. He noted that the ambassadors chose to remain in Damascus.
Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra stated that the operation to overthrow the Assad regime was named “Deterrence of Aggression” because the former regime had been targeting liberated areas for five years. The documentary, released on the anniversary of the revolution’s victory, revealed behind-the-scenes details of the 11 days leading up to Assad’s fall, concluding 13 years of revolution during which the regime killed hundreds of thousands of Syrians and allegedly used internationally prohibited weapons against them.
