Russia grants asylum to ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad

Russia granted asylum to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted from power after rebel forces stormed Damascus on Sunday, bringing an abrupt end to his family’s six-decade rule.

A private news agency reported Assad’s asylum by quoting an unnamed Kremlin official.

According to reports, Assad’s evacuation was part of a deal aimed at securing the safety of Russian military bases in Syria.

Meanwhile, several sources stated that Moscow, a long-time ally of Assad’s regime, facilitated a political solution to Syria’s years-long civil war.

As fighters entered Damascus without resistance early Sunday, the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies declared that Bashar al-Assad had left Syria.

Rebel forces took control of Damascus, including state TV, radio stations, and the Ministry of Defense.

President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule collapsed in just a week amid reports of his death or disappearance.

Celebrations erupted as government forces withdrew from key areas. In Damascus, the presidential palace was looted, prompting rebel forces to impose a curfew across the city.