Assad has deceived everyone in the palace to escape the country.

According to sources speaking to The New York Times, as the opposition advanced towards the Syrian capital, Damascus, in early December, Assad's aides were preparing for a speech in which they hoped to bring an end to the 13-year civil war peacefully.

CAMERAS WERE SET UP IN THE PALACE, EVERYTHING WAS READY

Bashar Assad's aides brainstormed about the speech. They even set up cameras and lights in the palace. Syria's state television was ready to broadcast Assad's speech, in which he announced plans to share power with members of the political opposition. But they were all deceived. According to some government and security officials, Assad secretly flew to Moscow at night, leaving the capital. Assad left his country so secretly that some of his aides remained in the palace for hours after he left, waiting for the speech that never came.

THEY STARTED TO FLEE IN PANIC

Those in the palace reported that Assad did not reflect any sense of panic to those around him and that an atmosphere of no problems was being conveyed. After midnight, news came that Assad had left, and those in the palace began to flee in panic; a few hours later, the opposition stormed the premises.

HE DIDN'T EVEN INFORM HIS BROTHERS

As Assad left Damascus, he did not even inform his relatives, including his cousins, brothers, nephews, and his wife's family. It turned out that Assad's lack of any indication was to avoid creating chaos that would hinder his escape.

"HE SACRIFICED EVERYONE FOR HIS OWN SAFETY"

One of Assad's team members and palace officials also spoke to the Financial Times. A former palace official stated that Assad "sacrificed everyone close to him for his own safety." Assad left without saying a single word to those who had sworn loyalty to him for decades, leaving many former supporters shocked and angry due to their abandonment.

"HE FLED LIKE A DOG AT NIGHT"

Disappointed supporters said they saw Assad's extreme selfishness as the latest proof of a trait that drove him to oppress his people and plunder Syria's resources for his own wealth. A person who witnessed Assad's exit said, "He fled like a dog at night; until an hour before his escape, he was telling those around him that everything would be fine."

HE LEFT WITH TWO FINANCIAL AIDES

FT could not verify the identities of all passengers on Assad's escape flight. However, insiders believe that Assad left with at least two financial aides who hold the keys to assets hidden abroad. These are Yassar Ibrahim and Mansur Azzam. Although unverified, this situation underscores the belief even among Assad's loyal circles that he preferred his wealth over his extended family.