Moscow: Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow, where they have been guaranteed asylum, according to media reports on Sunday. This development comes just hours after Syrian rebel forces entered the capital, Damascus, marking the dramatic collapse of Assad’s authoritarian regime that had ruled the country for over two decades.
A source within the Kremlin confirmed to Sputnik News that Assad and his family were granted asylum “out of humanitarian concerns.” The family has held power in Syria for decades, with Bashar al-Assad’s presidency following that of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled with an iron fist for nearly 30 years. Under Bashar’s leadership, Syria was frequently criticized for its repressive governance and heavy-handed tactics against dissent.
The rebels, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group – formerly known as the Al-Nusra Front and affiliated with Al-Qaeda – swiftly captured several key cities, including the infamous Saydnaya Military Prison located north of Damascus, before entering the capital. “We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” the Military Operations Command wrote on Telegram. “To the displaced all over the world, a free Syria awaits you,” the message added.
Assad’s regime, which had long been perceived as unshakable, ultimately collapsed in the face of a coordinated military offensive by opposition forces. The swift collapse followed years of violent repression against anti-regime protests and widespread civil unrest.
Bashar al-Assad’s rule began in 2000 when he succeeded his father, Hafez al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for nearly three decades. Initially, many Syrians hoped that Bashar, a Western-educated ophthalmologist, would usher in political reforms and greater transparency. However, those hopes quickly dissipated as he continued his father’s authoritarian policies, maintaining a tight grip on power.
Assad’s reign became increasingly brutal, especially after peaceful protests erupted in 2011, calling for democratic reforms. His violent crackdown on protesters escalated into a full-scale civil war, which has since led to the deaths of over half a million people and displaced millions more. His regime was bolstered by significant military support from Russia, which helped Assad maintain power during the long and devastating conflict.
The fall of Damascus marks the end of an era for the Assad family, who have ruled Syria for more than 50 years. With the collapse of his regime, Assad’s future remains uncertain, though his escape to Moscow marks a significant turning point in Syria’s ongoing civil war.
