Assad granted asylum in Russia, arrives in Moscow

Syrian President Bashar Assad and his family have been granted asylum in Russia and arrived in Moscow on Sunday after the Syrian government fell.

The rebels’ victory early Sunday concluded a 10-day offensive in which fighters seized much of what had been government-held land and effectively ended the Assad family’s 50-year rule over the country.

Reports indicated Assad fled the capital before opposition fighters entered. Reports said he had left the country and was heading to an undisclosed location.

According to Russian state outlet TASS, Assad and his family arrived in Moscow and were being guided by “humanitarian considerations,” meaning Russia granted them asylum.

“Russia has always spoken in favor of a political settlement of the Syrian crisis,” a source in the Kremlin told the outlet. “We insist that the U.N.-mediated talks be resumed.”

The source said Russian officials are in touch with members of the Syrian opposition. The opposition leaders have guaranteed security of Russian military bases and diplomatic missions, the source said.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said in a video that the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition forces and work toward a transitional government.

Iranian state media reported that Assad left the country. Iran has been his main backer in the ongoing Syrian civil war.

Citizens took to the streets in celebration of the momentous time in Syria’s civil war. The revolt has raised questions about what lies ahead for the country and region.

President Biden called Assad's fall from power a "fundamental act of justice" but also said the moment was full of "risk and uncertainty."