Assad Flees to Russia After Rebel Seizure of Syria’s Damascus

The mystery surrounding the whereabouts of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has ended, with Russian state media confirming his arrival in Moscow, CNN reports.

According to Russian state news agency TASS, citing a Kremlin source, Assad and his family have been granted asylum in Russia “for humanitarian reasons.”

The announcement follows days of intense speculation and rumors surrounding Assad’s location after rebel forces rapidly advanced across Syria, culminating in the seizure of Damascus on Sunday. Assad had maintained a low profile in recent days, offering few public comments as rebel forces captured major cities.

Syria’s presidential office initially denied Assad had left the country, dismissing reports as “rumors and false news.” However, after rebels took control of the capital and began searching for Assad, ransacking his residences, Russia’s foreign ministry issued a statement acknowledging Assad’s departure from the presidential post and the country.

Russia’s longstanding support for the Assad’s rule, including providing military aid and air power, made Moscow the expected destination.