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By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
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The Kremlin has announced that Russia has granted political asylum to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a decision made personally by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to provide details about Assad's current location and stated that President Putin has no plans to meet with him at this time.
This development follows the recent overthrow of Assad's government by Syrian rebels, ending nearly 14 years of civil war. The conflict has left Syria divided among various armed groups, raising concerns about a potential security vacuum in the region.
What Military Presence Does Russia Have In Syria?
Russia has two significant bases in the country, including its only Mediterranean naval port at Tartus, and has been a long-standing ally of Assad's regime, having provided military and political support throughout the civil war. The granting of asylum reflects Russia's continued involvement in Syrian affairs and its interest in the country's future stability.
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Why Did Russia Grant Asylum to Assad?
On Sunday, the Russian foreign ministry announced that Assad "decided to resign the presidency and left the country, giving instructions for a peaceful transfer of power," ending speculation as to his whereabouts.
Russian news agencies quoted a Kremlin source as saying that Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and been granted asylum "out of humanitarian considerations."
Bashar al-Assad has not been seen publicly since meeting with the Iranian foreign minister in Damascus a week ago, during which he vowed to "crush" the rapidly advancing rebels, who have since taken control of the capital and the majority of Assad's territory under the leadership of former al-Qaeda commander Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, who heads the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
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The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the power shift in Syria could have significant implications for regional dynamics and global security.
Syrian Opposition Flag Raised at Moscow Embassy as Bashar Al-Assad Is Granted Asylum
A group of men hoisted the opposition flag at the Syrian embassy in Moscow, just one day after the fall of Assad's government in Damascus.
The new leaders of Syria have also declared an amnesty for all soldiers who were conscripted into the Assad military.
The Military Operations Command announced the general amnesty Monday, saying the conscripted troops are, "granted safety for their lives, and any harm against them is strictly prohibited."
The amnesty does not apply to anyone who voluntarily signed up to fight for Assad.
When the regime collapsed on Sunday, thousands of Syrians flooded the streets, celebrating with gunfire and waving revolutionary flags.
The scene mirrored the early moments of the Arab Spring uprising, before the violent suppression and the emergence of armed resistance led to the country's descent into civil war.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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