Assad issues first statement since fall of his regime

Former Syrian leader Bashar al Assad has issued his first statement since the fall of his regime, Sky News reports.

In a social media post, he said he had planned to keep fighting rebel forces before Russia evacuated him.

The comments, the first in public since his regime was toppled more than a week ago, were made on the Syrian presidency's Telegram channel.

The statement said he left Damascus for Russia on 8 December - "a day after the fall" of the city, adding: "At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refugee.

"The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught."

The end of the statement mentions a "hope that Syria will once again be free and independent".

Mr Assad left the Syrian capital following a lightning offensive by anti-regime forces across the country - bringing his 24-year rule to an end.