Reports are swirling about the possible death of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a plane crash. Allegedly fleeing Damascus amid a rebel takeover of the capital, Assad’s aircraft, an IL-76, reportedly vanished from radar after a sudden course change near Homs. Official confirmation remains elusive, but social media and news outlets are rife with speculation.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed that a Syrian Airlines plane left Damascus International Airport as rebels claimed control of the city. Initially heading toward the Syrian coast, the aircraft unexpectedly altered its trajectory, flying in an alternate direction for several minutes before disappearing. The rapid descent indicated by the tracking data has fueled concerns regarding the safety of those on board.
Some theories suggest the plane was shot down by rebels, who reportedly possess advanced anti-aircraft weaponry, possibly abandoned by the Syrian army. Others speculate the transponder was intentionally disabled to prevent tracking. Another possibility is that the flight was en route to a Russian airbase in Latakia, often seen as a secure retreat for Assad, though no official confirmation supports this claim.
Turkish media has also reported on the alleged incident, amplifying the uncertainty. While there is no verified evidence of a crash or Assad’s fate, the absence of official statements and conflicting reports have heightened international curiosity. The situation remains shrouded in ambiguity, leaving observers awaiting further developments.
