Assad’s plane did not use Turkish airspace while fleeing Syria, say sources

The aircraft carrying ousted Bashar al-Assad to Russia did not pass through Turkish airspace, official sources confirmed Monday.

According to sources, Turkish airspace requires prior permission for transit, and no such request was made by the aircraft transporting Assad and his family to Moscow.

Assad’s departure followed the renewed outbreak of fighting between Syrian opposition groups and regime forces on Nov. 27.

The opposition forces swiftly took control of Damascus, leading to the collapse of the Baath Party regime, which had ruled Syria since 1963.