Assad resignation/ Syrian civil war/ Damascus rebels/ Russia military bases/ Tartous naval facility/ Hmeimim airbase/ Russia Syria policy/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has resigned and left the country, Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Sunday, following the capture of Damascus by Islamist rebels. While Assad’s whereabouts remain unknown, Moscow denied involvement in his departure and placed its two military bases in Syria on high alert. The developments raise questions about Russia’s role in the region and the future of its strategic bases in Tartous and Latakia.
Assad Resigns, Russia Scrambles: Quick Looks
- Assad Resignation: Assad departs Syria after ordering a peaceful transfer of power.
- Rebel Victory: Islamist forces seize Damascus, ending Assad’s 13-year rule.
- Russian Response: Moscow denies involvement in Assad’s exit and places military bases on alert.
- Strategic Bases: Tartous and Hmeimim, vital to Russian influence, now at risk.
- Calls for Peace: Russia urges all parties to resolve governance through political means.
Rebels in Palaces, Russia Says Bashar al-Assad Departs Syria
Deep Look
Assad Departs Amid Rebel Gains
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad resigned and left Syria on Sunday after Islamist rebels captured Damascus, ending decades of Assad family rule. According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Assad instructed a peaceful transfer of power before departing. His destination remains unknown, but speculation includes Moscow, where his son has been studying.
Russia’s Strategic Bases on High Alert
Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced that its military bases in Syria—Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and Tartous naval facility—have been placed on high alert. While Moscow downplayed immediate threats, military analysts warn that the bases are now exposed and vulnerable.
- Hmeimim Airbase: Previously used for airstrikes against rebel forces, this base serves as a key hub for Russian operations in Syria.
- Tartous Naval Facility: Russia’s only Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, vital for projecting power across the Middle East and Africa. Losing Tartous would deal a severe blow to Moscow’s geopolitical influence.
Russian war bloggers, often aligned with the Defense Ministry, have voiced concerns over the security of these bases, indicating skepticism toward the official reassurances.
Moscow’s Calculated Silence
Despite the dramatic developments, Russia’s immediate response has been muted. Kremlin spokespersons referred to the Foreign Ministry’s statement, emphasizing the importance of political solutions and urging all parties to avoid violence.
Moscow denied any role in negotiating Assad’s departure, claiming its focus is now on stabilizing the region and protecting Russian citizens. The Russian Embassy in Damascus reported its staff was safe, but citizens were advised to leave Syria.
Geopolitical Implications
Assad’s departure and the loss of Damascus mark a critical turning point in Syria’s civil war, putting Russia’s influence in the Middle East at risk. Tartous, in particular, is central to Russia’s ability to project power in the Mediterranean and beyond.
What’s Next?
The collapse of Assad’s regime has created a vacuum in Syria, raising urgent questions about governance and the role of external powers like Russia, Iran, and Turkey. Moscow’s ability to safeguard its military assets while maintaining regional influence will be tested in the coming days.
As events unfold, Russia’s call for a political resolution could signal an attempt to mediate a post-Assad settlement, though the path forward remains uncertain.
