Assad reportedly in Moscow after Damascus fall,left the country amid jihadists’ swift offensive in several regions
In a dramatic turn of events, the Syrian capital of Damascus fell to Islamist militants on Saturday, marking a significant shift in the country’s prolonged civil war. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist group led by a former Al-Qaeda commander, spearheaded the offensive that culminated in the capture of the city. This comes amid a broader collapse of government control across Syria.
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that President Bashar al-Assad has stepped down and left the country following negotiations with opposition forces. Assad, accompanied by his family, has reportedly sought asylum in Moscow. The Kremlin acknowledged granting refuge to the former Syrian leader, with Russian state agencies TASS and RIA corroborating the development.
The fall of Damascus follows a week-long offensive by HTS, originating from the opposition-held province of Idlib in northern Syria. The group’s rapid advance overwhelmed Syrian Army defenses, forcing government forces to retreat. HTS’s victory in Damascus has solidified its position as a dominant force among anti-government factions.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad al-Jalali remains in the country, issuing a statement of willingness to cooperate “with any leadership chosen by the people.” Al-Jalali’s comments suggest an attempt to maintain political continuity amid the unfolding power vacuum.
The fall of Damascus is part of a broader collapse of Syrian government authority. HTS and other anti-Assad groups have achieved significant territorial gains:
- Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Al-Qusayr: These cities have fallen to HTS, underscoring the group’s growing influence.
- Palmyra: The ancient city has been taken by the US-sponsored Free Syrian Army (FSA), a secular opposition group.
- Deir ez-Zor: The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), another US-backed coalition, have seized control of this strategic eastern city.
The collapse of Assad’s government and the rise of Islamist and opposition forces signal a seismic shift in the Syrian conflict. HTS, formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, has re-emerged as a central actor despite its controversial jihadist ideology. The group’s control of Damascus may lead to further instability, as rival factions vie for power.
The international community faces a complex challenge. While some factions, like the FSA and SDF, enjoy Western support, the ascendancy of HTS raises concerns about the resurgence of extremist ideologies in Syria. The situation also places neighboring countries and global powers on high alert, with potential ramifications for regional security and refugee flows.
Russia’s role in facilitating Assad’s departure underscores its influence in Syrian affairs. By granting asylum to the former president, Moscow has positioned itself as a key mediator in the post-Assad era. However, it remains unclear how Russia will navigate its relationships with the various factions now controlling Syria.
As Syria enters an uncharted phase, questions about governance, security, and reconstruction loom large. The fall of Damascus may mark the end of Assad’s rule, but it also ushers in a period of heightened uncertainty and potential chaos for the war-torn nation.
