Russia Organizes Safe Exit for Assad

Russian authorities facilitated the escape of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, convincing him that he would rapidly lose the war against rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Sources indicate that Russian intelligence organized his evacuation, transporting him first to a Russian airbase in Syria, where the plane's transponder was turned off to evade detection. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, confirmed that Assad was brought to Moscow securely and ruled out any plans to hand him over to the International Criminal Court due to Russia's non-participation in the convention establishing it. The Kremlin is reportedly dissatisfied with its intelligence services for failing to predict the speed of the rebel advance, leaving Putin demanding explanations. Assad's departure marks a significant shift in the Syrian conflict, as Russia had been a staunch ally during his regime. Moscow continues to maintain contacts with the current authorities in Syria to ensure the security of its military installations.