Assad Flees to Moscow Amid Middle East Upheaval

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled to Moscow alongside his family, seeking asylum in Russia. Russian state media, citing Kremlin sources, announced the deposed leader's arrival, though the BBC has been unable to independently confirm the claim. Assad’s departure marks a critical shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, further destabilizing an already volatile region.

 

The collapse of Assad's regime is the latest upheaval in the Middle East, following a series of transformative events that began with the Hamas attacks on Israel in October last year. Strategically located, Syria’s fate holds significant implications for the region's power dynamics. US President Joe Biden addressed the situation, calling Assad’s downfall a "moment of historic opportunity." He asserted that neither Russia, Iran, nor Hezbollah could prevent the regime's fall, signaling a new phase in US engagement with Syrian groups. Biden emphasized the importance of preventing the Islamic State group (IS) from exploiting the power vacuum left by Assad’s departure.

 

In response to growing concerns about IS’s resurgence, the United States has escalated military actions in Syria. Earlier, President Biden revealed that the US had conducted about a dozen precision airstrikes against IS targets. Later updates from US Central Command (Centcom) disclosed that more than 75 airstrikes were carried out on Sunday, aimed at dismantling IS camps in central Syria. Centcom reported no civilian casualties and underscored its commitment to ensuring IS does not regain strength. General Michael Erik Kurilla, Centcom’s commander, stated, "There should be no doubt - we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria." He added, "All organisations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way."

 

Amid this turmoil, the Russian military maintains a substantial presence in Syria, with approximately 7,500 personnel stationed at key bases in Tartus and Latakia. However, the rapid advances of Syrian rebel forces have reportedly left several Russian soldiers, including elite special forces, stranded. While some units managed to retreat closer to Russian bases, others were cut off from the main group. These developments have been corroborated by two retired Russian officers who remain in contact with soldiers on the ground.

 

The Assad family’s asylum in Moscow, if confirmed, signals a significant shift in Russian involvement in Syria. The Middle East faces yet another seismic change, with international powers vying to shape the region's future amidst the ongoing geopolitical tremors.

 

Based on a report by BBC 2024-12-09