This Image Does Not Show Bashar Al-Assad's Recent Arrival in Damascus From Russia
The Claim
President Bashar al-Assad has arrived in Damascus, returning from Russia.
Emerging story
Recently, social media accounts have circulated an image claiming to show Syrian regime leader Bashar al-Assad arriving in the Syrian capital, Damascus, after a visit to Russia.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading, as the image is outdated, from 2023, and does not depict Syrian regime leader Bashar al-Assad arriving in Damascus from Russia following his recent visit.
Bashar Al-Assad Arrived in Abu Dhabi in March 2023
The image is from March 19, 2023, and was published by Reuters, capturing the moment Bashar al-Assad arrived in Abu Dhabi during an official visit to the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE, welcomed al-Assad upon his arrival. This visit marked al-Assad's second to the UAE in two years and was the first official trip he and his wife, Asma, made together since 2011.
Unofficial Reports of Assad’s Arrival in Moscow
Recently, some media outlets reported that Syrian regime leader Bashar al-Assad had arrived in Moscow, coinciding with attacks by Syrian opposition factions on regime-controlled areas in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
Sources indicated that Assad arrived in Moscow on Thursday for an unannounced visit to discuss strategic issues related to Syria's political and military future. However, neither the Syrian nor Russian presidencies, nor any official government sources, have confirmed the visit.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the circulating reports about Bashar al-Assad’s presence in Russia following his unannounced visit to Moscow after the opposition’s attack. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Peskov stated, “I have nothing to say on this matter.” He added that the Kremlin hopes the Syrian regime will quickly restore constitutional order in the Aleppo region following the opposition’s attacks.
Bashar Al-Assad’s First Statement Following Recent Events
Bashar al-Assad made his first statement regarding the advances of Syrian opposition factions in Aleppo and its countryside, which resulted in their control over significant areas in northern Syria. The remarks were made during a phone call between Assad and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, the details of which were shared on the official Syrian presidency account.
Assad stated, “Syria continues to defend its stability and territorial integrity against all terrorists and their supporters,” adding, “With the help of its allies and friends, Syria is capable of defeating and eliminating them, no matter how intense their terrorist attacks become.”
The presidential account also reported that Assad discussed recent developments and joint cooperation in counterterrorism with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani during a separate phone call. The conversation also covered various Arab and international issues.
In a statement, the account mentioned that al-Sudani emphasized, “The security of Syria and Iraq is one and the same,” highlighting Iraq's readiness to provide all necessary support to Syria in its fight against terrorism and its groups. He reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to Syria's stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Syrian Opposition’s “Operation Deterrence of Aggression”
In recent days, Syrian opposition factions launched a large-scale attack called "Operation Deterrence of Aggression," targeting dozens of towns and villages in the northwestern province of Aleppo, areas previously controlled by Assad's forces.
The factions announced that they had seized significant territories in Aleppo and Idlib. In response, the Syrian regime's army, supported by Russian warplanes, carried out bombings on opposition-held areas in both Idlib and Aleppo.
Read More
Misleading Video Circulate on Social Media Amid Syrian Rebel Offensive in Aleppo
