Bashar al-Assad Seeks Refuge in Russia After Damascus Falls to Rebels

In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled to Moscow, where he has been granted political asylum by Russia. This development comes after rebel forces seized control of large parts of Damascus, Syria’s capital.

According to reports, a plane carrying Assad and his family took off from Damascus International Airport but went off the radar near Homs. Speculation initially suggested that the plane might have crashed or made an emergency landing. Conflicting reports from Turkish media claimed that the aircraft may have been shot down by rebel forces. However, it was later revealed that Assad had safely arrived in Moscow under Russian protection​

Meanwhile, rebel forces made significant advances, including taking control of the strategic city of Aleppo after nearly a decade. Over 240 people were reportedly killed in fierce battles between Assad’s forces and opposition fighters. Reports indicate that opposition forces backed by Turkish-supported factions, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, launched a surprise assault on the city, forcing Syrian troops to retreat. Despite Syrian and Russian airstrikes aimed at halting the rebels, Aleppo remains under rebel control​

These developments represent a significant setback for Assad’s government, which has faced armed opposition since 2011. Russia’s decision to grant him asylum may signal the beginning of a new phase in Syria’s ongoing conflict, as questions arise about the future leadership of the country and the broader geopolitical impact on the region.