Syria's President Bashar al-Assad addresses the new members of parliament in Damascus, Syria in this handout released by SANA on August 12, 2020.
Video Ad Feedback
Assad says he didn’t plan to flee Syria, in apparent first public statement

A statement posted to social media in Moscow appears to detail the events leading to former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s decision to flee the country for Russia. CNN’s Frederick Pleitgen breaks it down.

2:40 • Source: CNN
World News 14 videos
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad addresses the new members of parliament in Damascus, Syria in this handout released by SANA on August 12, 2020.
Video Ad Feedback
Assad says he didn’t plan to flee Syria, in apparent first public statement
02:40
Now playing
• Source: CNN
<p>Beijing has constructed a striking mockup of an American Arleigh Burke–class destroyer. Analysts say the replica, built in the remote desert of Xinjiang, helps China refine hypersonic missile targeting and signals its relentless preparation for conflict, especially over Taiwan. CNN’s Will Ripley reports.</p>
Video Ad Feedback
China builds full-scale US warship replica in desert
03:24
Now playing
• Source: CNN
1a 2.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Venezuela animal shelters at capacity after earthquakes
02:07
Now playing
• Source: CNN
22797481 - Ro Khanna 16x9 cln.00_00_00_00.Still002.png
Video Ad Feedback
Rep. Ro Khanna detained by Israeli settlers in West Bank
01:54
Now playing
• Source: CNN
22797408 - Fighter Mission 16x9 cl.00_00_56_08.Still006.png
Video Ad Feedback
Onboard the closest Navy ship to Iran
01:52
Now playing
• Source: CNN
OnLocation_Odyssey_2.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Traveling back to Ancient Greece, but in Scotland
02:49
Now playing
• Source: CNN
22791041 - Jets take off DG 16x9.00_00_07_24.Still001.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
CNN reports on board the USS Abraham Lincoln
00:29
Now playing
• Source: CNN
<p>Smoke billows into the sky after a US strike took place in Iran's southern coastal province of Bushehr, footage from Iran's Mehr News Agency shows. The strike took place around midday local time on Thursday, according to Iranian state media.</p>
Video Ad Feedback
Aftermath of US strike in Iran's coastal Bushehr province
00:30
Now playing
• Source: CNN
Climbers compete at the 2026 Cheung Chau bun scrambling competition in Hong Kong
Video Ad Feedback
Hong Kong is home to a unique festival of buns
01:47
Now playing
• Source: CNN
16x9_vid.00_00_10_05.Still019.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
How this Japanese DJ living with ALS keeps the beat alive
01:56
Now playing
• Source: CNN
still_22787055_480877.929_still.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
US unleashes new round of strikes on Iran
02:18
Now playing
• Source: CNN
22788442 - Trump Presser Iran scum.00_00_19_02.Still001.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
Asked what changed with Iranian leaders, Trump says: 'I got to know 'em'
00:46
Now playing
• Source: CNN
pam.jpg
Video Ad Feedback
CNN live on USS Abraham Lincoln as Iran tensions rise
01:22
Now playing
• Source: CNN
<p>CNN's Frederik Pleitgen reports from Tehran on Iran's reaction to President Trump remarks about the MOU .</p>
Trump’s words are 'disgusting', Iranian official tells CNN in Tehran
02:22
Now playing
• Source: CNN