Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad denied reports on Monday that he planned or executed a departure during the final hours of battles in Syria earlier this month.

In a statement posted on the Syrian government's official account, Assad insisted he remained in Damascus, carrying out his duties until the early hours of Sunday, December 8. He acknowledged that Russian forces aided him in navigating conflict zones but refuted claims of fleeing in those hours. In his version of the events, it was not until the afternoon of that day that the military base was evacuated at "Moscow's request."

"At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual or party," Assad stated. "The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught."