Ousted Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, has arrived in Moscow with his family after being granted asylum by Russia.
Tribune Online reports that the dramatic development comes after more than 13 years of civil war, which has reshaped the political landscape of the Middle East.
According to Russian state media agency TASS, the move follows a dramatic turn of events in Syria, where rebel forces launched a significant offensive that culminated in the capture of Damascus and the withdrawal of government forces.
The offensive, which began on November 27, saw opposition forces seize several major cities before advancing into the Syrian capital on Sunday morning. Assad’s departure was reportedly the result of intra-Syrian negotiations, during which he “resigned” before fleeing the country, TASS reported.
Analysts suggested that Assad’s fall signals a major shift in the regional power dynamics. Long supported by key allies Iran and Russia, his regime’s collapse indicates diminishing influence for both nations. Their inability to intervene decisively, as they had in earlier phases of the conflict, has left them in weakened positions.
US President-elect Donald Trump attributed Assad’s downfall to the waning commitment of his principal backers.
Trump said, “His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer.”
He added that Russia’s focus on Ukraine and its struggling economy, alongside Iran’s preoccupations with Israel’s military actions, contributed to their reduced support.
Meanwhile, TASS reported that Russian officials are now engaging with the rebel leadership.
“Russia has always spoken in favour of a political settlement of the Syrian crisis. We insist that the UN-mediated talks be resumed,” the agency quoted a Kremlin source. The source also noted that rebel leaders have guaranteed the safety of Russian military and diplomatic missions in Syria.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised the importance of supporting the Syrian people during this critical juncture. “The UN will work with the Syrian people to determine the country’s future,” he stated.
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