Russian officials have confirmed that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family are currently in Moscow, where they have been granted political asylum on humanitarian grounds. Russian news agencies reported that the Kremlin made the announcement, putting an end to speculation regarding Assad’s whereabouts following the capture of Damascus by opposition forces.
The Russian Foreign Ministry earlier announced that Assad had resigned and left Syria. He also gave instructions for a peaceful transfer of power. This marked the end of his 24-year rule.
Celebrations erupted in Damascus as Assad’s government fell. A curfew was imposed as residents cheered the regime’s collapse. Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli forces had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights after the opposition’s victory. Israel also carried out airstrikes across Syria.
Opposition forces quickly seized strategic cities, leading to Assad’s downfall. Despite Russia’s support and military presence in Syria, Assad’s regime collapsed. His key allies, Iran and Hezbollah, were distracted by other conflicts, weakening his position.
Earlier reports had suggested that Assad’s plane went off radar, fueling rumors of his death. However, the Kremlin’s announcement confirmed his safe arrival in Moscow.
