An interview with Syrian interim President Al-Shara has unveiled a shocking revelation. He claimed that Russia secretly colluded with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Under this agreement, HTS seized Damascus, ousting Assad from power. The revelation comes a year after Bashar al-Assad’s alleged overthrow in Syria. Al-Shara’s statements suggest that the betrayal originated from Vladimir Putin, Assad’s closest ally. Al-Shara disclosed that HTS, with Russian backing, gained control of Damascus. Al-Shara made these remarks during an interview on the state-run Al-Ikhbariyah TV channel. During the interview, Al-Shara claimed that his forces had initiated secret talks with Russia, coinciding with HTS’s offensive to remove Assad from power. Al-Shara stated that his forces encountered minimal resistance on November 27, quickly capturing Aleppo. His fighters then advanced south towards Hama, the next major city on the route to Damascus. Al-Shara said that negotiations occurred between their forces and Russia during this campaign. He added that Russia remained uninvolved in the fighting as HTS forces marched towards Homs, another significant city. Following this agreement, Assad was forced to flee the country on December 8, and Al-Shara’s forces took control of Damascus. The interim Syrian President also claimed that his forces deliberately avoided attacking the Russian airbase at Hmeimim, near Jabla on the coast, and are committed to maintaining positive relations with Russia. He emphasized Russia’s significance on the global stage, highlighting its membership in the Security Council. He stated that the close ties between Syria and Russia should be carefully preserved and developed. Following his assumption of the Syrian leadership, Al-Shara’s political leanings were the subject of speculation. The recent revelations suggest that Al-Shara is working to balance the interests of his country with both superpowers. Vladimir Putin’s forces are re-entering Syria after a nine-month hiatus, a move that is seen as a setback for the United States and Turkey. The Russian army entered Syria via the Kamishli airport. The Syrian government, led by Al-Shara, had invited Russian forces to the country, believing their presence could prevent Syria’s division.
