Syrian President Assad Finds Refuge in Moscow
Following a rapid takeover of Damascus by insurgent forces, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have found refuge in Moscow, according to a statement by Russia‘s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov.
A Swift Fall from Power
On November 27, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance launched a surprise offensive, swiftly capturing Aleppo. Within 11 days, they achieved a series of stunning victories, securing strategic cities such as Hama and Homs before culminating their advance by seizing the capital, Damascus. This sudden turn of events effectively brought an end to the Assad regime.
News of Assad’s whereabouts initially sparked speculation and rumour. Reports suggested he might have fled to the United Arab Emirates, with some even claiming he was aboard a plane that had mysteriously disappeared. These theories were ultimately dispelled, paving the way for confirmation of his presence in Russia.
Russia Offers Sanctuary
The Russian Foreign Ministry initially announced that Assad had “resigned from the presidency and left the country, giving instructions to carry out a transfer of power peacefully.” This statement, followed by reports from the Russian media outlet RIA Novosti citing a Kremlin source, indicated that the Syrian president had arrived in Moscow with his family, where they were granted asylum.
A Unwavering Ally
Confirmation of Assad’s exile came via a Telegram post by Ulyanov. He stated decisively: “Bashar al-Assad and his family are in Moscow. Russia does not betray its friends in difficult situations. This is the difference between Russia and the USA.”
Russia’s support for Assad has been staunch. The two leaders forged a close relationship, strengthened by Moscow’s crucial role in fighting the terrorist group Daesh in Syria. Since 2015, Russia has maintained two military bases on Syrian soil, underscoring its commitment to the Assad regime.
The future of Syria remains uncertain. The HTS alliance, while triumphant in its capture of Damascus, faces the complex task of establishing a new government and navigating the country’s ongoing instability.
How might the international community, particularly countries like the United States and Russia, cooperate or clash in the power vacuum left by Assad’s departure?
## Interview: Aftermath in Syria
**Anchor:** Thank you for joining us today to discuss the stunning turn of events in Syria. The Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, has fled the country, finding refuge in Russia. Joining me now is Dr. Anya Ivanov, a Middle East scholar specializing in Syrian politics. Dr. Ivanov, welcome.
**Dr. Ivanov:** Thank you for having me.
**Anchor:** Let’s start with the basics. Can you confirm that Assad is indeed in Russia, and how reliable is this information?
**Dr. Ivanov:** Yes, according to a Kremlin official, President Assad has sought and been granted political asylum in Moscow along with his family. [[1](https://www.axios.com/2024/12/08/assad-syria-russia-moscow)]. It seems this information comes directly from the Russian government, making it highly credible.
**Anchor:** This turn of events was incredibly swift. Can you shed some light on what led to the rapid collapse of the Assad regime?
**Dr. Ivanov:** The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance, a powerful insurgent force, launched a surprise offensive on November 27th. They quickly captured Aleppo and then secured a string of victories, ultimately leading to the fall of Damascus. The speed of their advance was truly remarkable.
**Anchor:** How is the international community reacting to these developments?
**Dr. Ivanov:** The international reaction is still unfolding, but it’s likely to be complex. Russia, Assad’s long-time ally, has supported his government for years, but we’ll have to see how they navigate this new reality. Other countries, particularly those who have been critical of the Assad regime, may see this as an opportunity for change in Syria.
**Anchor:** What are the potential implications for Syria’s future?
**Dr. Ivanov:** This is a truly pivotal moment for Syria. The country has been ravaged by civil war for years. Assad’s removal could pave the way for a new political order, but it’s also possible that we’ll see further instability and conflict in the absence of a clear successor. Only time will tell how this situation unfolds.
**Anchor:** Dr. Ivanov, thank you for your valuable insights.
