Russia announced on Monday that it has granted political asylum to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled the country following a surprise rebel offensive that toppled his regime. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the decision, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the asylum request.
Assad, who resigned and fled Syria on Sunday, has not disclosed his current location. Peskov clarified that there are no plans for Putin to meet with the exiled leader.
The fall of Assad’s regime came just 11 days after a sudden and coordinated rebel attack, marking the end of his 13-year rule. His tenure saw a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011, sparking a prolonged and devastating civil war. While the conflict had largely subsided in recent years, the rebel offensive reignited tensions, culminating in Assad’s ousting.
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which played a key role in the rebel advance, called the development a “historic victory for the region.” Speaking from Damascus’ iconic Umayyad Mosque, al-Jolani celebrated the fall of Assad’s government as a pivotal moment for the country.
As the situation in Syria evolves, the international community watches closely, with Russia’s move to shelter Assad further underscoring its complex involvement in the region.
