Assad and family ‘granted asylum’ in Moscow

Bashar al Assad is in Moscow with his family, Russian state media has said, ending speculation about the fallen Syrian president’s whereabouts.

Quoting a source in the Kremlin, TASS said Mr Assad and his family members have been provided with asylum in the Russian capital.

“Assad and his family members have arrived in Moscow. Russia, for humanitarian reasons, has granted them asylum,” the agency’s source said. 

TASS added: “Russian officials are in contact with representatives of the armed Syrian opposition, whose leaders have guaranteed the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic institutions on the territory of Syria.” 

Mr Assad’s whereabouts were unknown after reports he fled Damascus before the rebels arrived there this morning. 

Russia, one of Assad’s closest allies, confirmed earlier today that he had left Syria, but did not say where he was, or whether Moscow had given him refuge.

Source: sky news