Bashar al-Assad Granted Asylum in Russia After Rebel Takeover

In a dramatic turn of events, ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have reportedly been granted asylum in Moscow. This comes hours after Islamist-led rebels claimed control of Syria’s capital, Damascus, marking the end of over five decades of Assad family rule.

Escape to Moscow

Russian state media confirmed Assad's arrival in Moscow, with asylum granted on humanitarian grounds. The Syrian leader's departure followed an intense period of speculation, fueled by unusual flight patterns tracked on Sunday. A Syrian Air plane, believed to be carrying Assad, initially headed toward Syria's coastal stronghold before abruptly disappearing from flight tracking systems.

This sudden move signifies the closure of a controversial era in Syrian politics. The Assad family, rooted in the Alawite sect, had maintained a firm grip on power for decades, often drawing criticism for oppressive governance and alleged human rights violations.

Rebel Milestone

The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), associated with the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, has emerged as the dominant force behind the takeover. In a symbolic move, their leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, visited Damascus’s iconic Umayyad Mosque and was greeted by supporters. Rebel factions dismantled symbols of Assad’s rule, including statues of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father and predecessor.

HTS’s rapid advance, which began on November 27, culminated in capturing major cities like Homs. They have portrayed this victory as the end of an oppressive era, marked by the liberation of prisoners from facilities such as Sednaya Prison, notorious for its history of abuses.

International Reactions

Global leaders have been closely monitoring these developments. US President Joe Biden described the events as extraordinary, while President-elect Donald Trump emphasized Assad’s loss of Russian support. Meanwhile, UN war crimes investigators have called for the new leadership in Syria to prevent a repeat of the atrocities committed during Assad’s rule.

What Lies Ahead

The fall of the Assad regime marks a significant shift in the Middle East's geopolitical landscape. While the rebels' rise signals a potential new chapter for Syria, challenges remain in ensuring stability and addressing the deep-seated divisions left in the wake of years of conflict.

Refrence From: www.ndtv.com