Turkish FM claims knowledge of Assad's whereabouts, declines to disclose details
"While I am aware of President Assad's whereabouts, I am not at liberty to disclose this information," Turkish FM specified.
Dec. 8, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - In a significant diplomatic statement on Sunday, the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed the unfolding situation in Syria during a press conference.
He asserted the knowledge of President Bashar al-Assad's current location while upholding diplomatic discretion concerning specific details.
"While I am aware of President Assad's whereabouts, I am not at liberty to disclose this information," Turkish FM specified.
He verified that Assad is currently outside Syrian territory but held back from disclosing additional details about the location.
The Turkish Foreign Minister also upheld Turkey's role in regional stability, emphasizing his nation's historical involvement in Syrian affairs: "We have constantly worked toward stability in Syria. We are aware of the key players and understand how to engage with them effectively."
He recognized the complexity of the situation, observing that dealing with these challenges would need careful coordination with the Syrian people rather than one-sided action.
These statements come in the context of Sunday’s dramatic developments in Damascus, where opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), reportedly entered the city in the early hours, effectively ending Assad's 24-year rule.
The situation represents a significant shift in regional dynamics, with implications for various stakeholders in the area.