Following the fall of Damascus in Syria, Russia has granted asylum to Bashar al-Assad and his family, reports have confirmed.
The situation in Syria remains tense after rebels took control of the capital on Sunday, forcing Assad and his family to flee and marking the end of his over two-decade rule.
The source confirmed that Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow, where they were granted asylum on "humanitarian grounds."
Reports stated, "Russia has always spoken in favour of a political settlement to the Syrian crisis. We insist that UN-mediated talks be resumed."
"Russian officials are in touch with representatives of the armed Syrian opposition, whose leaders have guaranteed the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic missions on Syrian soil," the reports added.
On Sunday, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the developments in Syria following Assad's departure from the country.
In an unprecedented move, Assad agreed to step down and peacefully transfer power.
“We are following the dramatic events in Syria with extreme concern. As a result of negotiations between Assad and several participants in the armed conflict, he decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
The news came hours after rebels claimed victory by capturing the third-largest city, Homs, in northern Syria.
Hadi al-Bahra, head of Syria’s main opposition group abroad, declared that Damascus is now "without Bashar al-Assad," adding,
“The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled,” according to a statement from the armed opposition.
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