Assad Escapes to Moscow Amid Syrian Regime Collapse, Russian Intelligence Orchestrates Secret Flight

Dec 13, 2024, 01:04 PM

Bashar al-Assad, the deposed Syrian president, fled to Moscow in secrecy as his regime collapsed. According to multiple sources, including Reuters, Assad deceived or kept in the dark his aides, officials, and even relatives about his escape plan. He met with approximately 30 army and security chiefs at the Defense Ministry, assuring them that Russian military support was on its way, urging them to hold out. However, he did not inform his younger brother, Maher, who is the commander of the elite 4th Armoured Division, about his exit strategy. Maher reportedly took a helicopter to Iraq before continuing to Russia. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Assad on December 2, where Assad admitted his army was too weak to resist the advancing Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) but did not request Iranian forces due to fears of Israeli retaliation. Assad's escape was orchestrated by Russian intelligence, with his plane's transponder turned off to avoid detection. The Guardian reports that Assad and his family are expected to live a secluded life in Moscow, under the protection of Vladimir Putin, who personally decided to evacuate Assad to prevent a fate similar to that of Muammar Gaddafi. The operation was carried out with such secrecy that even Assad's closest allies were left in the dark, reflecting the Kremlin's desire to avoid the public spectacle of Assad's downfall. Assad's wife, Asma, diagnosed with leukaemia, will likely receive better medical care in Russia. Assad's children have been sent to study in Russia, and his family has purchased properties in Moscow's prestigious skyscraper district. Despite Syria's dependence on Moscow, Assad and Putin maintained a chilly relationship. Russian state media have not released any pictures of Assad in the country, indicating Moscow's intent to keep him away from the headlines.