An audio recording attributed to ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has spread on social media, in which he talks about stepping down from his position and apologizing to the Syrian people.
The audio recording reads: “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, my fellow citizens, in these difficult circumstances that the country is going through and as a result of the state of the Syrian people, I, Bashar al-Assad, after fully acknowledging my responsibility for what has happened in the country over the past years, have decided to relinquish the position of President of the Republic and transfer powers to the Speaker of the People’s Assembly, with a declaration of comprehensive national reconciliation and the holding of democratic elections within one year. In accordance with the powers of the President’s decision, I have signed final decisions by virtue of which foreign forces and militias have withdrawn, and I demand that those forces withdraw from Syrian territory and retract all agreements that were signed with Russia and Iran. Finally, I apologize to the great Syrian people for what has happened over the years from me and my family. Peace be upon you.”
Kashif verified the audio recording through keyword search and found that it is old and generated using artificial intelligence.
On 2/9/2023, Muhammad Al-Khatib posted a video clip on his YouTube channel that included the circulated audio recording. Al-Khatib explained in the video description that it was “not real and generated by artificial intelligence for the purpose of entertainment.”
Muhammad Al-Khatib also republished the video on his YouTube channel on 5/12/2024, with the following text: “Breaking: Bashar Al-Assad steps down from power in Syria.”
The Syrian Ministry of Information warned in a statement on Thursday, 5/12/2024, against publishing a fabricated video clip that includes Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announcing his resignation from his position.
Muhammad al-Khatib also confirmed in a video clip he posted on his YouTube channel on 6/12/2024 that the video clip, the authenticity of which was denied by the Syrian Ministry of Information, about Assad stepping down from his position, was produced using artificial intelligence.
While searching Mohammed Al-Khatib’s channel on YouTube, Kashif’s team found a group of video clips generated by artificial intelligence of Bashar Al-Assad.
The opposition factions announced on Wednesday 27/11/2024 the start of a military operation called “Deterrence of Aggression.” On Sunday 8/12/2024, they announced in a statement broadcasted on state television the liberation of Damascus and the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule. The opposition added that all detainees had been released.
The Kremlin announced on Sunday 8/12/2024 the arrival of the ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family to Moscow, adding that Russia had provided them with asylum for humanitarian reasons.
| Sources of Claim | Sources of Verification |
| Media figure Majid Al-Masoudi Dr. Hassan Muhammad Al-Qatwi Ali Mirghani KiO ™ Kirkuk Iraqi Challenge | Mohammed Al-Khatib (1) Mohammed Al-Khatib (2) Mohammed Al-Khatib (3) Mohammed Al-Khatib (4) CNN Al-Hurra (1) Middle East Al-Hurra (2) |