Radio silence from their generals, mysterious voices giving instructions on their walkie-talkies, terrifying rumours spreading through the ranks — and then headlong flight.
Soldiers and officers who served Bashar al-Assad’s regime have provided the first detailed glimpse into how Syria’s armed forces, despite years of training and reorganisation by Russia, collapsed in just 12 days.
Angry and fearful for their future, and accusing their superiors of betraying them, they told of a complete breakdown in the chain of command, a collapse in morale and then chaos as rebel forces advanced at lightning pace towards Damascus.
