Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s former president, has arrived in Moscow, according to Russian state media. His arrival in Russia follows his dramatic flight from Damascus, where he had been entrenched for years as the country’s leader. Russia, a staunch supporter of Assad’s regime throughout Syria’s civil war, has reportedly granted asylum to him and his family.
Assad’s departure comes in the wake of a swift offensive by the rebel group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which seized control of Damascus over the weekend. The takeover marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s conflict, as the rebels now hold power in the nation’s capital. The rebel group’s leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, has since made a public appearance in Damascus, addressing jubilant crowds.
“The sight of Jawlani standing in the heart of old Damascus felt surreal,” recounted BBC correspondent Feras Kilani, who was present during the dramatic developments. “I was just meters away from him. Seeing him there, in such a symbolic location, was something I never imagined witnessing.”
Kilani and other correspondents reported witnessing celebrations erupting across the streets of Damascus as the rebel victory became apparent. Crowds poured into public squares, and some people were seen looting Assad’s former residence, underscoring the collapse of his once-formidable control.
The atmosphere in Damascus has remained volatile, with explosions rocking parts of the city. While there are unconfirmed reports suggesting that Israel may have targeted specific sites within the capital, Israeli officials have not issued any statements on the matter.
The fall of Damascus to HTS marks a significant turning point in Syria’s ongoing conflict, raising questions about the country’s future under rebel control and the broader regional implications of these events.
This latest chapter in Syria’s turmoil underscores the unpredictable and complex dynamics of a war that has reshaped the nation’s political and social fabric.