Deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled to Moscow with his family after the collapse of his regime. Kremlin sources claim Assad has been granted asylum following the capture of Damascus by rebel forces early Sunday.
The fall of Assad’s government follows years of support from Russia, which had maintained close ties to the Syrian regime since the Cold War. However, as Russian military efforts remain concentrated in Ukraine, Moscow was unable to intervene as Syrian rebels advanced toward the capital.
The BBC, citing Russian state media, reported Assad’s arrival in Moscow but noted it could not independently verify the information. Earlier confusion surrounding reports of a flight crash has since been attributed to a separate aircraft.
Assad’s position had become increasingly precarious after Hezbollah, a key ally, suffered significant losses in recent clashes with Israel. These setbacks allowed opposition forces to gain ground, culminating in their capture of Damascus.
While Assad’s regime has fallen, Russia’s naval forces continue to operate in Latakia, highlighting Moscow’s ongoing interest in the region. Russian involvement in Syria expanded during the Obama administration after diplomatic efforts to remove chemical weapons faltered.
The exile of Assad signals a major turning point in the Syrian conflict. With rebels now in control of the capital, questions remain about the future leadership of the country and the broader regional implications of Assad’s fall.
