Mon Dec 09 15:57:03 UTC 2024: ## Russia Grants Asylum to Ousted Syrian President Assad Amidst Regional Instability

**Moscow, Russia** – The Kremlin announced Monday that ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been granted political asylum in Russia following a rapid advance by opposition forces. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the decision was made personally by President Vladimir Putin, citing the volatile situation in Syria. While Peskov declined to reveal Assad’s location or confirm a meeting between Putin and Assad, he emphasized the gravity of the situation.

Al Jazeera reported that Assad was reportedly evacuated by a Russian plane from the Russian airbase in Latakia. The asylum decision raises questions about the future of Russia’s military assets in Syria, particularly its naval base in Tartous and airbase in Hmeimim, which serve as crucial strategic hubs for Russian operations in the region. Peskov stated that the future of these bases is a matter for discussion with Syria’s future leadership.

The unexpected advance of the opposition alliance, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, caught Russia and the international community off guard. While HTS has sought to distance itself from its al-Qaeda past, it remains designated a terrorist organization by the UN and many countries.

The Kremlin acknowledged the heightened regional instability, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Peskov stated that Russia is engaging in diplomatic efforts with Turkey and other regional players to address the evolving situation and is prepared for dialogue with all regional countries.

Israel, meanwhile, has conducted air strikes targeting suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets in Syria to prevent them from falling into the hands of opposition fighters. The Israeli military also deployed tanks across the border into a demilitarized zone as a precautionary measure. Al-Assad’s fall marks a significant shift in regional power dynamics, potentially strengthening Turkey’s influence while altering the strategic balance between Russia, Iran, and Israel in the region.

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