The Escape Plan
meticulously kept his plans to flee a secret, misleading aides, officials, and family members about his intentions until the last moment. He assured military and security leaders of impending Russian support, urging them to hold their ground.
Assad's escape was orchestrated with the help of Russian intelligence, who offered him a safe exit as rebel forces advanced. He left by plane, with the transponder turned off to avoid detection, first heading to 's airbase before flying to .
Aftermath and Reactions
Upon Assad's departure, his immediate family was already in Moscow, awaiting his arrival. The exit marked the end of his 24-year rule and his family's half-century dominance in Syrian politics, effectively concluding the 13-year civil war.
Russia and Iran, once Assad's staunch allies, did not provide military rescue during his final days in power. The 's decision to facilitate Assad's escape was partly influenced by a desire to avoid a scenario similar to the violent overthrow of Libyan leader .