Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Sunday that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left Syria and relinquished power, marking a dramatic end to his family’s decades-long rule over the country.
“As a result of negotiations between Bashar Assad and a number of participants in the armed conflict on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, he decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully,” the ministry stated, without revealing Assad’s destination.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jalali told Al-Arabi TV he was prepared to resign and had been contacted by rebel leader Ahmad Al-Shara regarding the transfer of power. Al-Jalali confirmed he had requested Al-Shara’s help in redeploying police forces in Damascus, though he admitted being unable to reach Assad.
Russia expressed “extreme concern” over the developments and said it maintains contact with all Syrian opposition groups. Meanwhile, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Daniel Shapiro announced at Bahrain’s Manama Dialogue that American forces would continue operations in eastern Syria to prevent any ISIS resurgence during the transition.
“We are aware that the chaotic and dynamic circumstances on the ground in Syria could give ISIS space to find the ability to become active,” Shapiro said, emphasizing continued U.S. commitment to regional stability.
