Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have been granted political asylum in Moscow, according to a source from the Kremlin reported by TASS.
Assad, who was last in Damascus on Saturday, fled the country early Sunday, as confirmed by both Syrian and Arab security officials.
Russia’s foreign ministry indicated that he had officially stepped down and left the country.
Though Assad planned to address the nation Saturday evening, the speech never took place.
His wife and children had previously departed for Russia in late November, with his brothers-in-law moving to the United Arab Emirates.
Potential risks
President Biden referred to the fall of the Assad regime as a “historic opportunity” for Syrians to shape their future.
He acknowledged both the potential and risks involved.
Biden credited his administration’s actions, such as supporting conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, for weakening Assad’s position by diverting the resources of his allies: Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah.
He reiterated the ongoing U.S. sanctions against Assad’s regime.
The U.S. plans to send senior officials to the region and provide humanitarian aid to support the Syrian people during this transition. Biden confirmed that the U.S. military presence in eastern Syria will continue, particularly to secure prisons housing Islamic State members.
