Assad reportedly seeks asylum in Russia after regime collapse

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow on Sunday after his regime fell to the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in a swooping offensive that saw the capital city of Damascus fall to the rebels on Sunday.

According to Russian state media, Assad was granted asylum there.

Russia has been Assad’s longtime ally and provided military support during Syria’s civil war. His abrupt exit signals an end to his 24-year rule over the country. Assad’s family has ruled Syria for more than five decades.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for a Syrian-led, peaceful transition of power.

He condemned Assad’s reliance on Russia and Iran during Syria’s 14-year conflict and highlighted the regime’s atrocities, including chemical weapon use and unlawful detentions.

International governments welcomed the end of Assad’s autocratic government as they sought to take stock of a new-look Middle East.