Bashar al-Assad’s Escape Orchestrated by Russian Intelligence, Bloomberg Reports

Russian intelligence operatives reportedly convinced former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to leave the country, warning him that he was on the verge of losing the war, according to Bloomberg, citing three anonymous sources on December 11.

Two Bloomberg sources revealed that Russian intelligence orchestrated Assad’s escape by utilizing a Russian airbase in Syria to safely extract him. One source added that the aircraft transporting Assad had its transponder turned off to avoid detection.

According to a Kremlin insider, Russian leader Vladimir Putin demanded an explanation from intelligence agencies regarding their failure to detect the growing threat to Assad’s regime before it reached a critical point.

Initially, Russian forces in Syria targeted armed Syrian factions to bolster Assad’s hold on power.

However, sources claim that the Syrian military showed minimal resistance as opposition forces captured Aleppo and Hama and began advancing toward the strategic city of Homs. Realizing that Assad’s regime could not be defended, Russia opted to prioritize his safe evacuation, according to Bloomberg.

Earlier, former Syrian intelligence officer Khalid Beyye claimed that Bashar al-Assad transported $135 billion in assets to Russia during his escape.

In addition, the extended family of Bashar al-Assad purchased at least 20 luxury apartments in Moscow City for $40 million acquired between 2013 and 2019.