Bashar al-Assad, the ousted President of Syria, has arrived in Moscow with his family after being granted asylum by Russian authorities, according to Russian news agencies citing a Kremlin source.
The Interfax news agency quoted an unnamed Kremlin source as saying: “President Assad of Syria has arrived in Moscow. Russia has granted them (him and his family) asylum on humanitarian grounds.” This development follows the collapse of Assad’s government after a swift offensive by anti-regime forces across Syria, ending his 24-year rule.
Peaceful Transition of Power
According to a statement from the Russian foreign ministry, Assad left the Syrian capital of Damascus after issuing orders for a peaceful transfer of power. The regime’s fall marks the conclusion of a prolonged conflict that saw Assad’s forces battling opposition groups on multiple fronts, including Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) in the north, the Southern Front, and Kurdish forces in the east.
As Assad fled, footage circulating on social media showed jubilant families ransacking presidential palaces in Damascus, taking selfies in the lavish interiors. Thousands of Syrians took to the streets to celebrate the regime’s downfall.
Opposition Fighters Take Control
Opposition forces have declared their intent to form a new governing body. A coalition of opposition groups issued a statement proclaiming: “The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a Syria together that befits the sacrifices of its people.” They described the events as a “new birth for great Syria.”
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al Jolani, whose forces played a key role in the regime’s defeat, addressed crowds at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. In a speech broadcast on state TV, Jolani declared the fall of Assad as a “victory for the Islamic nation” and affirmed his group’s commitment to their cause. “There is no room for turning back. The future is ours,” he said.
Humanitarian Grounds for Asylum
Russia’s decision to grant asylum to Assad and his family has been officially framed as a humanitarian gesture. While the exact details of their stay in Moscow remain unclear, the move underscores Russia’s longstanding support for Assad throughout the Syrian civil war.
This development also raises questions about Moscow’s role in shaping Syria’s post-Assad future. Analysts suggest Russia may aim to maintain influence in Syria by acting as a mediator in the country’s reconstruction and political transition.
International Reactions
The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Syria. The fall of Assad’s regime leaves a security vacuum in the region, raising concerns about potential power struggles among opposition factions. Experts warn that the ongoing instability could have far-reaching implications for neighboring countries and global security.
Looking Ahead
With Assad’s departure, Syria enters a new phase of uncertainty. The coalition’s commitment to building a unified government will be tested in the coming months, as various factions vie for influence in the post-Assad era.
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