Bashar Assad Flees To Moscow For Asylum Amid Syrian Turmoil - Report

Reports from Russian media indicate that former Syrian President Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow. This development follows a rapid rebel advance that captured Damascus, ending the Assad family's five-decade rule. Russian agencies Tass and RIA cited an unnamed Kremlin source confirming Assad and his family's asylum in Moscow. The Associated Press has yet to verify these reports but has reached out to the Kremlin for comments.

In Damascus, jubilant crowds filled the streets, celebrating with gunfire after the rebels' swift takeover. The fall of Assad's regime has sparked questions about Syria's future and its impact on the region. Russia has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to discuss the situation, as announced by Dmitry Polyansky, Russia's deputy permanent representative to the UN, on Telegram.

Rebel Leadership and Future Prospects

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, a former al-Qaida commander who now leads the largest rebel faction, is expected to shape Syria's future. During his first public appearance since rebels entered Damascus suburbs, al-Golani visited the Umayyad Mosque. He declared Assad's fall "a victory to the Islamic nation," using his real name Ahmad al-Sharaa instead of his nom de guerre.

The rebels face significant challenges in uniting a war-torn country still divided among armed groups. In northern Syria, Turkey-backed opposition fighters are clashing with US-allied Kurdish forces. Meanwhile, remnants of the Islamic State group remain active in some remote areas.

Celebrations and Concerns in Damascus

Damascus residents gathered in squares, chanting anti-Assad slogans and waving revolutionary flags reminiscent of the Arab Spring's early days. Some looted the presidential palace after Assad and top officials disappeared. Opposition fighter Abu Laith described the rebels' welcome in Damascus as filled with "love."

Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi appeared on state TV to reassure Syria's religious and ethnic minorities. "Syria is for everyone, no exceptions," he stated, emphasising inclusivity for all sects. He added that they would not replicate the Assad family's oppressive tactics.

International Reactions and Developments

The international community is closely monitoring these developments. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israeli troops had secured a buffer zone in the Golan Heights for residents' safety after Syrian troops abandoned positions. The Arab League condemned Israel's actions as opportunistic amid Assad's downfall.

The Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked following its apparent abandonment. Iran, a staunch supporter of Assad during the civil war, stated that Syrians should determine their future without foreign intervention. The end of Assad's rule marks a significant setback for Iran and its allies.

Calls for Political Transition

The UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, urged immediate talks in Geneva to ensure a smooth political transition. Qatar hosted an emergency meeting with foreign ministers from eight countries involved in Syria, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Turkey. They agreed on engaging all parties on the ground for stability and safe transition.

Dareen Khalifa from the International Crisis Group noted that "Golani has made history and sparked hope among millions of Syrians." However, he acknowledged that Golani and the rebels face formidable challenges ahead.

Syrian state television aired a rebel statement declaring Assad overthrown and prisoners released. They urged citizens to preserve "the free Syrian state" institutions while imposing a curfew in Damascus from 4 pm to 5 am. Videos showed rebels freeing prisoners from Saydnaya prison, notorious for torture and killings.

Bassam Masr expressed relief but continued searching for his son detained for 13 years: "This happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison." Meanwhile, Judge Khitam Haddad assured that rebels were safeguarding documents at the Justice Ministry amidst chaos.