In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow on Sunday, following a decisive rebel offensive that toppled his government in Damascus, ending over five decades of Assad family rule. Russian state media confirmed that Assad, along with his family, was granted asylum in Moscow under a deal ensuring the safety of Russian military bases in Syria.
Rebel leader Abu Muhammad al-Golani, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was celebrated as a hero in Damascus after leading an eight-day campaign to overthrow the regime. Addressing crowds at the historic Umayyad Mosque, al-Golani declared the victory a turning point for the Islamic world. He emphasized Syria’s liberation from Assad’s oppressive rule, accusing the ousted president of turning the nation into a pawn for Iranian interests.
The HTS-led operation freed thousands of prisoners, including women and children, from Assad’s notorious detention centers. Videos shared online captured emotional scenes of detainees reunited with their families and expressing disbelief at the regime’s fall.
Russia has expressed its support for a United Nations-mediated political transition in Syria. Meanwhile, al-Golani assured Syria’s minorities of inclusive governance, declaring, “Syria is for everyone, no exceptions.”