Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Sunday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left the country after ordering a peaceful transfer of power. However, Assad’s whereabouts have not been disclosed.
The departure of the former president came after the takeover of the city of Damascus, the capital of Syria, by Islamic rebel groups, leading to the government’s overthrow.
Insurgent troops stated on state TV that they have freed all unjustly detained prisoners. The Russian Ministry also stated that the country’s military bases, a key ally of the Assad government, are on high alert.
Moscow is in contact with Syrian opposition groups to prevent an escalation of violence. Learn more about the Syrian War on the Brazil de Fato podcast ‘The Foreigner’, aired last Thursday.