Assad paints himself as 'custodian' to Syria as picture unfolds on collapse of Damascus

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday looked to portray himself as a dedicated "custodian" of his nation who remained fighting "against the terrorist onslaught" before being forced to flee to Russia.

Assad, who over the last decade and a half became notorious for his brutal and oppressive tactics employed during the civil war, released a statement on Telegram suggesting he was nothing but dedicated to Syria and remains hopeful that "Syria will once again be free and independent."

Following nearly 14 years of conflict, human rights abuses and harsh living conditions for most Syrians, Assad was ousted on Dec. 8 following a Read Entire Article