Moscow, Russia: Syrian President Bashar Assad, ousted amidst an escalating conflict in his country, has fled to Moscow along with his family. Russian news agencies TASS and Ria Novosti reported on Sunday evening that Assad was granted asylum on humanitarian grounds by the Kremlin.
According to a statement from Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Assad resigned and departed Syria after ordering a peaceful transition of power. “As a result of negotiations, he decided to resign and leave the country, providing instructions for a peaceful transfer of power,” the ministry announced. Moscow emphasised that it had not participated in these negotiations, though it continues to maintain communication with all factions of the Syrian opposition.
Syria in transition: Key developments
The opposition, now in control of key cities, including Damascus and Homs, has marked a turning point in Syria’s prolonged conflict. The capital fell with little resistance, as government forces retreated amidst reports of celebratory gunfire and public demonstrations. Opposition leaders have called for restraint and urged fighters to respect state institutions, ensuring they remain intact for future governance.
In a significant move, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Jalali acknowledged the necessity of free elections and has been in discussions with opposition commander Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani to manage the transitional period. Jalali affirmed his readiness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.
State television broadcasted a statement from the opposition, declaring the end of Assad’s rule. The message called for unity among Syrians of all sects and ethnicities, emphasising a collective vision for a free Syrian state.
Strategic capture of homs
The capture of Homs, a strategic and symbolic victory for the opposition, has severed the Assad regime’s control over its strongholds. Thousands of residents celebrated in the streets as opposition forces freed prisoners and dismantled remnants of the government’s presence.
Homs had long been a site of devastating conflict, with entire neighbourhoods laid to waste by siege warfare. Its liberation marks a resurgence of opposition forces, showcasing their ability to mobilise and reclaim significant territories.
International reactions and concerns
The rapid developments have triggered alarm across the region, with neighbouring nations and global powers issuing joint calls for a political resolution. Countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt have expressed fears of regional instability.
Russia, while providing asylum to Assad, has urged all parties to avoid violence. Moscow stated that its military bases in Syria remain on high alert, although they face no immediate threat.
Iran-backed Hezbollah forces, long a critical ally of Assad, have withdrawn from key locations, including Qusayr near the Lebanese border. This retreat underscores the shifting dynamics, as regional actors reassess their positions in light of Assad’s departure.
Opposition leadership and the road ahead
Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani, leader of the opposition group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, has sought to reassure Syrians and the international community of his intentions. His directives include preserving public institutions and avoiding reprisals. In Aleppo, another recently captured city, reports of stability under opposition control have lent credibility to his assurances.
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However, concerns remain about the opposition’s ability to establish a unified and inclusive government. Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham’s historical ties to extremist groups have prompted scepticism, with Western nations watching closely to gauge its leadership approach.
The end of an era
Bashar Assad’s departure signals the end of a 24-year rule marked by authoritarianism and brutal conflict. The Syrian civil war, which began as a peaceful uprising in 2011, has left millions displaced and thousands dead.
The transition now lies in the hands of a diverse opposition coalition, tasked with navigating a delicate balance of rebuilding the nation while addressing the scars of war. The world watches as Syria embarks on this precarious journey toward democracy and reconciliation.
For many Syrians, the departure of Assad offers hope for a future free from oppression. Yet, the path to a stable and united Syria remains fraught with challenges, both political and humanitarian.
