Assad issues first statement since fall of government

Syria's ousted President, Bashar al-Assad has issued a statement for the first time since his government was overthrown by the rebel group over a week ago.

Syria's ousted President, Bashar al-Assad has issued a statement for the first time since his government was overthrown by the rebel group over a week ago.

Published on the president's Telegram social media channel, Assad says he left Damascus for Russia at the request of Moscow on December 8th - one day after the fall of his government.

The oustaed leader reffered to the rebel fighters as "terrorist forces" and stressed that he never considered stepping down at any point during the civil war. 

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

Assad says the toppling of his government has not diminished his "profound sense of belonging to Syria and her people." The deposted president says he hopes Syria will be free and independent again.

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