Secret Deal Alleged: Putin’s Role in Assad’s Ouster in Syria

The interim President of Syria, Al-Shara, has disclosed in an interview that Russia secretly orchestrated a deal with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The agreement allegedly allowed HTS to seize Damascus and remove Bashar al-Assad from power. This revelation comes a year after the events. Al-Shara’s account implicates Vladimir Putin, a close ally of Assad, as the source of the betrayal. According to Al-Shara, HTS, backed by Russia, took control of Damascus. The interview was broadcast on the state-controlled Al-Ikhbariyah TV channel. During the interview, Al-Shara said that his forces began secret discussions with Russia during the HTS offensive against Assad. Al-Shara detailed that on November 27, his forces faced minimal resistance, capturing Aleppo. They subsequently moved towards Hama, a strategic location on the path to Damascus. Al-Shara noted that they maintained communication with Russia throughout this operation. He mentioned that Russia stayed out of the fight when HTS advanced to Homs. As a result of the agreement, Assad was forced to leave the country on December 8, and Al-Shara’s forces took control of Damascus. Al-Shara also stated that his forces deliberately avoided attacking the Russian airbase near Jabla, aiming to maintain good relations with Russia. He emphasized the importance of Russia on the world stage, referencing its role in the Security Council, and highlighted the need to protect and develop the long-standing relationship between Syria and Russia. Following his leadership, Al-Shara’s political alignment was debated. The recent news suggests Al-Shara’s attempts to manage Syrian interests considering both superpowers. Putin’s forces are re-entering Syria after a nine-month absence. This deployment could be seen as a setback for the United States and Turkey. The Russian military entered Syria through the Kamishli airport. The Syrian government under Al-Shara had invited the Russian forces, believing that their presence could prevent the fragmentation of Syria.