Bashar al-Assad, the deposed Syrian leader, has reportedly taken refuge in Russia following the fall of his regime to advancing rebel forces. Kremlin sources cited by international media claim Assad and his family fled to Moscow, where they have been granted asylum.
For years, Assad relied on Russian and Iranian support to maintain his grip on power.
However, with Russian resources stretched thin due to the conflict in Ukraine, Putin’s ability to assist Assad dwindled. Over the past two weeks, rebels advanced with little resistance, capturing Damascus early Sunday.
The BBC reported that Russian state media confirmed Assad’s presence in Moscow, though the outlet noted it could not independently verify the information. Earlier reports of a flight crash were later clarified to involve a different aircraft.
The collapse of Assad’s regime came after his key ally, Hezbollah, suffered heavy losses in clashes with Israel in Lebanon. These setbacks left Assad’s forces vulnerable, paving the way for a swift rebel victory.
Despite Assad’s exile, Russia maintains a naval presence in Latakia, signaling its continued interest in the region. Moscow’s support for Assad dates back to the Obama administration, when failed diplomatic efforts to remove Syria’s chemical weapons gave Russia a foothold in the Middle East.
Assad’s departure reflects the fragility of his government and the challenges facing Russia’s regional strategy. The Syrian conflict now enters a new phase, with questions surrounding the
