Russia Confirms Assad Has Left Office and Fled Syria, His Whereabouts Remain Unknown

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has resigned and left Syria following negotiations with various parties involved in the conflict, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry on Sunday.

The ministry clarified that Russia had not been involved in these discussions and did not reveal Assad’s current location.

Speculation surrounding Assad’s fate intensified after reports suggested he may have been killed in a plane crash while attempting to flee the country.

Just before the Russian statement, a transport plane took off from the Russian military base in Latakia, Syria, raising suspicions that Assad may have been on board.

The new de-facto ruler of #Syria.

Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali, the prime minister of the (former) regime is now meant to head a transitional government. He appears to be guarded by rebel forces as he leaves his home to head to work. pic.twitter.com/R3dBAHpy2M

— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) December 8, 2024

Flight data showed the aircraft initially heading toward Syria’s coastal region before abruptly changing direction and disappearing from radar.

Sources indicated that the unexpected U-turn might suggest a plane crash, but these claims remain unconfirmed.

In the aftermath of Assad’s presumed departure, Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali was seen being escorted by rebel fighters to meet with their leaders to coordinate the transition of power.

Al-Jalali later confirmed he had been in contact with Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, to manage the country’s political transition.

The Russian government has called on all parties in Syria to refrain from violence and resolve any political issues through peaceful means, urging restraint as it remains in contact with Syrian opposition groups.

As the political situation unfolded, Russia’s military bases in Syria were put on high alert, although no immediate threats were reported. The situation marks a significant turning point in the conflict, with Assad’s departure causing major shifts in the country’s power dynamics.

Moscow emphasised that it was not directly involved in the negotiations that led to Assad’s resignation and called for a peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict.

Meanwhile, as the rebels secured control of Damascus, Syrian state television aired a statement confirming the overthrow of Assad, with the insurgents announcing that all political prisoners had been freed.

In the capital, residents expressed disbelief at the speed of Assad’s downfall, given the length and intensity of the civil war. #

The war, which has devastated the country, killed hundreds of thousands, and displaced millions, seemed to reach a sudden and unexpected conclusion with the rebel advances.

Since November 27, rebel forces led by HTS have gained significant ground, with cities such as Aleppo, Hama, and Homs falling in rapid succession.

Syrian army, which had been a considerable force under Assad’s rule, crumbled under the pressure of the rebel offensive. The departure of key allies such as Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah further weakened Assad’s hold on power, signalling the collapse of his regime.

Developing:

A Syrian IL-76T coming from Damascus lost fast altitude near Homs and possibly crashed west of that city. There are rumors that it was Assad‘s plane. pic.twitter.com/K6IvQILlsw

— (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) December 8, 2024

HTS, an extremist group with roots in al-Qaeda, has long been a dominant force among the rebels. Although the United States and the United Nations classify it as a terrorist organisation, its leader, al-Golani, has attempted to rebrand the group, pledging to build a Syria that serves all citizens, including ethnic and religious minorities.

Group established a “salvation government” in 2017 to administer large areas of northwestern Syria under its control, reflecting its growing influence.

The end of Assad’s rule delivers a significant blow to Iran and its allies, who have supported his regime throughout the civil war.

Bashar Al Assad's home being looted. pic.twitter.com/TeBLGwYC5T

— 5Pillars (@5Pillarsuk) December 8, 2024

Despite the victory for the rebels, the country remains deeply divided, with ongoing battles between Turkey-backed opposition fighters, US-allied Kurdish forces, and remnants of the Islamic State. The task ahead for Syria’s new leadership is daunting: rebuilding a nation torn apart by years of war and healing deep political and sectarian divides.