Deposed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has reportedly arrived in Moscow, seeking asylum on humanitarian grounds according to a Kremlin source. The news comes as rebels have ousted Assad, ending his family’s autocratic rule after more than 13 years of civil war. The Syrian flag was removed from the country’s embassy in Moscow, sparking celebrations among Syrians across the world. The UN has called for calm and focus on rebuilding Syria, while countries like Saudi Arabia and the EU have offered support in the transition period.
The fall of Assad has been met with mixed reactions, with Ukraine asserting Russia’s weakness, and the US pledging to support stability in eastern Syria. Amnesty International has called for the perpetrators of human rights violations in Syria to face justice, while Saudi Arabia and the EU have offered assistance in rebuilding a new Syria that protects minorities. President Joe Biden is set to meet with his national security team for updates on the situation in Syria, as the US assesses its role in the region.
As Syrians around the world celebrate the downfall of the Assad regime, questions remain about Assad’s whereabouts and next steps. Amidst the chaos, Moscow claims it did not participate in the negotiations that led to Assad’s resignation and departure from Syria. The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Syria, as the country enters a new chapter in its history.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com