Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow after Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds, according to a Kremlin source on Sunday, December 8.
The source also mentioned that a deal had been made to ensure the safety of Russian military bases, including the strategically important naval facility in Tartous.
Earlier, Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Assad had left Syria and ordered a peaceful transfer of power, following the entry of rebel forces into Damascus, which marked the end of nearly 60 years of his family’s rule.
“President Assad of Syria and his family members have arrived in Moscow. Russia has granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds,” the unnamed Kremlin source told the Interfax news agency.
The source added that Russia continues to support a political solution to the crisis in Syria and emphasized the importance of resuming negotiations under the United Nations’ guidance.
The source also stated that Syrian opposition leaders had agreed to ensure the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic institutions in Syria.
Russia, a strong supporter of Assad since its intervention in the Syrian civil war in 2015, is working to maintain its geopolitical influence and protect its critical military assets in Syria, including the Hmeimim airbase and the Tartous naval facility.
Losing the Tartous facility would be a significant blow to Russia’s military presence in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Africa.
Earlier in the day, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that both military facilities had been placed on high alert but downplayed any immediate security threats.
The ministry also confirmed that Assad had resigned and left Syria, directing a peaceful transition of power. However, it clarified that Russia did not take part in the negotiations surrounding his departure.
Unverified reports suggested that Assad had been in Moscow, where his eldest son studies, when rebels reached Aleppo last month, before returning to Syria.
On Sunday, the Syrian flag was lowered at the country’s embassy in Moscow, although staff indicated that the embassy would continue operations as usual.
