Bashar al-Assad Flees Damascus, Seeks Asylum in Moscow Surrounded by Rebel Advances

Syria’s former president Bashar al-Assad has fled Damascus and arrived in Moscow, according to Russian state media reports. Russia, a key ally of Assad’s regime, is now reportedly offering asylum to him and his family. Assad’s departure follows a major offensive by the rebel group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which captured the Syrian capital this weekend. Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani addressed cheering crowds in a mosque in Damascus, marking a significant shift in the power dynamics.

BBC correspondent Feras Kilani, reporting from inside Damascus, witnessed the surreal scene of Jawlani’s presence in the heart of the city, while crowds celebrated in the streets and looted Assad’s former residence. Explosions have also been heard across the city, with unconfirmed reports suggesting Israeli airstrikes, although Israel has yet to comment.