Syrian rebels have declared a curfew in Damascus from 4 pm to 5 am after ousting President Bashar al-Assad. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Sunday that Assad had left office and fled the country, following his orders for a peaceful transfer of power.
Russia’s statement did not disclose Assad’s current location and clarified that it was not involved in the negotiations leading to his departure. Moscow expressed deep concern over the developments in Syria and called for all parties to avoid violence and seek political solutions.
The ministry added that Russia’s military bases in Syria are on high alert, though they face no immediate threats. Efforts are also underway to ensure the safety of Russian citizens in Syria, with the Russian Embassy advising citizens to leave the country. The embassy confirmed that its staff in Damascus remain safe.
Earlier on Sunday, Assad reportedly flew out of Damascus to an unknown destination, according to two senior army officers. Rebels entered the capital, encountering no military resistance. Foreign media reports speculated that Assad’s plane, a Syrian Air flight, had left Damascus airport just as the rebels took control of the city.
The plane initially headed towards Syria’s coastal regions, where Assad’s Alawite sect is dominant, but later changed course before disappearing from radar. Some reports also suggested the possibility of Assad’s death in a plane crash.
This follows a week of dramatic rebel advances, starting with the surprise capture of northern Aleppo and a series of other cities as Syrian army defenses collapsed. Assad has not made any public statements since these events began.
