Bashar al-Assad, family granted asylum in Moscow after rebel takeover

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have reportedly arrived in Moscow after being granted asylum by Russia, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.

This follows the dramatic fall of Assad’s government during a large-scale offensive by Syrian rebel forces.

On Sunday, opposition fighters stormed Damascus, securing the capital and forcing government troops to retreat. Amid the chaos, Assad resigned during intra-Syrian negotiations and fled the country, marking the end of his 13-year rule, which was characterized by a devastating civil war.

The collapse of Assad’s regime is expected to have significant implications for the Middle East’s geopolitical dynamics. Analysts suggest that the failure of Assad’s key allies, Russia and Iran, to provide adequate support in the conflict’s final stages has undermined their influence in the region.

US President-elect Donald Trump also commented on the development, attributing Assad’s downfall to the weakening of his main backers.

“His protector, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was no longer interested in protecting him,” Trump stated, citing Russia’s focus on the Ukraine war and economic struggles. He also pointed to Iran’s setbacks against Israeli military operations.

Despite hosting Assad, the Kremlin appears to be pivoting toward engagement with Syria’s new rebel leadership. TASS quoted a Kremlin source affirming Russia’s commitment to a political settlement and UN-mediated talks.

“Russia has always supported a political resolution to the Syrian crisis. We are in touch with representatives of the armed Syrian opposition, who have guaranteed the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic missions in Syria,” the source said.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated the organization’s role in supporting Syrians during the country’s transition.

“We will work with the Syrian people to determine the country’s future,” he pledged.