CFeicht | 08 Dec 2024 8:59 a.m. PST |
"There are unconfirmed reports that the Il-76 Ilyushin transport jet that was supposedly carrying him was either shot down or suffered a mechanical problem. Based on its location, it may have been trying to reach Russia's airbase in Latakia, Syria. This has long been seen as among the safest place for the Syrian strongman. "Unconfirmed information is being circulated about the sudden descent of the plane that was reportedly carrying Assad after it disappeared from radar and dropped suddenly from an altitude of over 3,650 meters to 1,070 meters in a few minutes, just outside Lebanese airspace north of Akkar," Egyptian journalist Khaled Mahmoued posited on Twitter. "3D flight radar data of the plane suspected of carrying Bashar al-Assad indicates that it crashed. The Syrian Air IL-76 aircraft's altitude dropped suddenly, and it seems it was shot down." link |
Nine pound round | 08 Dec 2024 9:08 a.m. PST |
If true, it's not as if he deserved better. |
batesmotel34 | 08 Dec 2024 10:22 a.m. PST |
Assad and family arrived in and granted asylum in Russia according to CNN and the Washington Post. |
Legion 4  | 08 Dec 2024 12:31 p.m. PST |
Yes, I had heard the same … Assad and his family are now in Muther Russia. |
Nine pound round | 08 Dec 2024 12:31 p.m. PST |
Birds of a feather. If your plans ever reach the point where your exit strategy is "seek asylum from the Russian government," you've made an epic series of mistakes. |
torokchar  | 08 Dec 2024 1:24 p.m. PST |
Don't get anywhere near a 10th floor balcony would be my advice to Assad |
CFeicht | 08 Dec 2024 1:40 p.m. PST |
or eat any mushroom soup or take anymore plane rides |
Griefbringer | 08 Dec 2024 1:52 p.m. PST |
According to the news I heard, his wife had been lately receiving treatment for leukemia in Moscow, so they probably have a good reason to stay there for the time being. In the long term, they could probably also try re-locating to Teheran, though whether weather there is any better is another issue (and vodka is harder to obtain legally). |
35thOVI  | 08 Dec 2024 2:47 p.m. PST |
I heard Assad and his fellow escapees, just "volunteered" for the Ukrainian front lines. 😉 |
Gray Bear | 08 Dec 2024 5:22 p.m. PST |
Maybe he will open an ophthalmology practice. |
Bunkermeister  | 09 Dec 2024 11:23 a.m. PST |
Probably spent a few days transferring the Syrian treasury to various countries to insure his cash flow and longevity in Russia. Bunkermeister |
John the OFM  | 09 Dec 2024 10:01 p.m. PST |
I don't think he had much time to transfer anything. If his treasure was gold, that's pretty darn heavy. "Pick up your bullion, pack up your coins (Assad), you ain't going nowhere." 🎶 |