A recent investigative report by Reuters has unveiled a covert operation by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime to transfer financial assets, sensitive documents, and valuables to the United Arab Emirates just days before the fall of Damascus.
The report, based on interviews with 14 Syrian sources, satellite imagery, and flight tracking data, reveals that four private jet flights took place within 48 hours. The operation was reportedly led by Assad’s close economic advisor, Yasser Ibrahim, and involved top Syrian intelligence units.
Using a Gambian-registered Embraer Legacy 600, the regime flew from Damascus International Airport to Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. The aircraft carried cash, confidential digital records related to Assad’s financial networks, and several family members and aides.
Syria’s transitional government, led by Prime Minister Ahmed al-Shaar, has launched a full investigation into the illicit outflow of public assets. Both the UAE and Russia have remained silent regarding the report.
The operation occurred amid the regime’s rapid collapse, as opposition forces closed in on the capital and Russian military backing ceased. Assad later fled to Russia, officially ending his 24-year rule.
