Syria's deposed president Assad escapes to Moscow

Syria's ousted president, Bashar al-Assad, and his family are now in Moscow, according to a Kremlin source cited by Russian news agencies. This development comes shortly after Assad fled Syria as rebel forces entered Damascus. Russia, Assad’s long-time ally, has reportedly granted him and his family asylum on humanitarian grounds. 

The Kremlin source, speaking to TASS and Ria Novosti, stated, "Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow," adding that the asylum offer was made based on humanitarian considerations. A Western official, when asked about Assad’s presence in Moscow, said they believed it was likely true and saw no reason to doubt Russia's claims.

The source also revealed that the rebel forces, who ousted Assad in a swift offensive, assured the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic facilities within Syria. Russia maintains significant military assets in the country, including a naval base in Tartus and an airfield in Khmeimim.

Since becoming militarily involved in the Syrian conflict in 2015, Russia has played a critical role in supporting Assad’s regime against opposition forces during the devastating civil war. The Kremlin source reiterated Russia's commitment to a political resolution, stating, "Russia has always advocated for a political solution to the Syrian crisis and supports the resumption of negotiations under UN auspices."

In light of the rapidly unfolding events in Syria, Moscow has called for an emergency closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday afternoon. A Russian UN representative emphasized the far-reaching implications of the situation, stating, "The consequences of these developments for Syria and the entire region remain immeasurable."