Bashar al-Assad Seeks Refuge in Moscow as Russia Grants Asylum

 

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, accompanied by his family, has arrived in Moscow after Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds, according to a Kremlin source. The move follows a dramatic shift in Syria’s power dynamics, with rebel forces entering the capital, Damascus, unopposed on December 8, 2024, effectively ending nearly six decades of Assad family rule.

The Kremlin confirmed that Assad had left Syria after giving orders for a peaceful transfer of power. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing Syrian civil war, with Moscow, which had been a steadfast ally of Assad, now seeking to stabilize its position in the region.

In a statement, Russia’s Foreign Ministry highlighted its commitment to a political resolution to the crisis and underscored the importance of safeguarding Russian military interests in Syria. The Russian government has made clear that Syrian opposition leaders have pledged to secure the safety of Russian military bases, including the strategically vital naval facility in Tartous and the Hmeimim air base. These installations are crucial to Russia's military influence in the Mediterranean and broader Middle East.

The Tartous naval facility, Russia’s only Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, has been a key asset for Moscow’s operations, including its military activities in Africa. Losing control over this base would be a significant setback for Russia’s geopolitical interests, particularly as it looks to maintain its power projection capabilities in the region.

Although the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs downplayed immediate risks to these military facilities, it confirmed that the bases had been placed on high alert in light of the unfolding situation. As the Syrian conflict enters a new phase, Russia has emphasized the importance of resuming negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations.

Earlier reports indicated that Assad had been in Moscow, where his son studied, before rebels captured Aleppo. Assad’s sudden departure and the removal of the Syrian flag from the embassy in Moscow marked the symbolic end of his presidency. Despite these developments, Russia’s embassy staff in Moscow confirmed that operations would continue as usual.