Bashar al-Assad flees to Russia to claim ‘humanitarian’ asylum after despot ousted from Syria

Syria’s ousted President Bashar al Assad has arrived in Moscow after fleeing Damascus, with Russia granting him and his family asylum.

The dramatic development marks the end of Assad’s 24-year rule, which collapsed following a lightning offensive by rebel forces across the country.

Russian state media confirmed his arrival on Sunday as thousands of Syrians celebrated in the streets of Damascus.

“Assad and his family members have arrived in Moscow. Russia, for humanitarian reasons, has granted them asylum,” a Kremlin source told Tass.

The whereabouts of Assad, his wife Asma and their two children had initially been unknown after they fled the Syrian capital.

The former president’s departure came as his government fell to anti-regime forces who rapidly advanced across the country.

Thousands gathered in Damascus’s main square, with crowds chanting for freedom as the Assad era came to an end.

As Syrians entered the presidential palace, they discovered an extraordinary collection of luxury vehicles in Assad’s garage.

The collection included Ferraris, Aston Martins, Rolls-Royces, and what appeared to be a Bugatti Veyron, alongside BMWs and Mercedes models.

SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and an armoured truck were also found in the sprawling facility.

Footage shared on social media showed people driving inside the garage, passing rows of red sports cars and large 4x4s.

The palace itself, covering 510,000 square metres, featured marble floors and expensive paintings on its walls.

One of those raiding the palace, Abu Omar, 44, expressed his motivation for entering Assad’s residence.

“I came for revenge; they oppressed us in incredible ways. I am taking pictures because I am so happy to be here in the middle of his house,” he said.

“I no longer feel afraid. My only concern is that we unite [as Syrians] and build this country together.”

The luxurious property also featured a jacuzzi in one of its bathrooms.

The coalition of Syrian rebels issued a statement marking their transition to power: “The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a Syria together that befits the sacrifices of its people.”

Syria’s prime minister, Mohammed Ghazi al Jalali, has remained in the country.

“I am here in my home. I have not left it and do not intend to leave, except in a peaceful manner that ensures the continued functioning of public institutions and state facilities,” Jalali stated.

The fall of Assad’s regime followed a swift offensive by Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), an Islamist rebel group that began its campaign in late November.

The rebels rapidly captured key cities including Aleppo and Homs, before finally taking Damascus on Saturday.

HTS, formerly known as the Nusra Front, was once affiliated with al Qaeda but cut ties in 2016 in an effort to appear moderate.

The group’s leader, Abu Mohammed al Jolani, declared “the future is ours” in a statement on Syrian state TV.