The Sun – Syrian Dictator’s Secretive Plan to Flee the Country

This map, titled “Assad Escape,” outlines the Syrian dictator’s carefully orchestrated escape plan. It features two main images: a portrait of Bashar al-Assad and a photo of a Cham Wings aircraft, accompanied by a detailed map and descriptive text.

Key steps of the escape are highlighted:

1. Assad evacuates his family, money, and valuables as rebels approach Damascus.

2. Russian intelligence informs Assad of the need to flee personally, with Putin approving an exile plan.

3. Assad maintains heavy protection with special forces, withholding the escape plan from advisers to prevent betrayal.

4. Assad leaves the Syrian Presidential Palace via helicopter, narrowly avoiding rebel forces.

5. He reaches one of Damascus’s airports (Mezzeh Air Base or Damascus International Airport), boarding a private jet with its transponder turned off, while Russia conducts a fake flight operation to distract attention.

6. The plane flies to Khmeimim Air Base in Syria before heading to Russia.

The map visually connects these points, showing Damascus, Khmeimim Air Base, and Russia. Nearby regions, including Turkey and Iraq, are labeled for context.

Source