Syria’s ousted leader, Bashar al-Assad, has fled to Moscow with his family, where the Kremlin has confirmed he will be granted asylum. This development has left the Middle East on edge as it witnesses a dramatic shift in power.
On Sunday, Islamist rebels launched a swift offensive that culminated in the capture of Damascus, forcing Assad to abandon his post and ending over five decades of authoritarian rule by his family.
Celebrations erupted across the capital as news of Assad’s departure spread. Crowds tore down statues and posters of the former president, while his luxurious presidential palace was stormed by protestors.
Several key government facilities were also targeted, including a prominent security compound used by the Military Intelligence Interrogation Division, which was engulfed in flames.
Speculation about Assad’s fate circulated widely, with rumors suggesting he might have been killed. However, Russian state media later confirmed that his plane had landed safely in Moscow.
In a surprising revelation, the Kremlin stated it had played a role in facilitating Assad’s escape. According to reports from the RIA Novosti news agency, Russia had been negotiating with rebel forces to arrange a “peaceful” transition of power and to secure safe passage for Assad and his family.
U.S. Launches Strikes on Islamic State Targets
Meanwhile, the U.S. military has intensified its campaign in Syria, conducting over 75 precision airstrikes on key Islamic State positions, according to a statement from Central Command.
