Russia Faces Strategic Setback as Assad's Regime Crumbles

Islamist-led rebels have seized Damascus, forcing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to flee, ending five decades of Baath rule. Russia, a key ally of Assad, is monitoring the situation closely, urging peaceful resolutions and ensuring the safety of its citizens and military personnel in Syria. Moscow has heightened combat readiness at its military bases in Syria and is in contact with all Syrian opposition factions. Russia, along with Iran and Turkey, is working to prevent Syria from descending into chaos, emphasizing the need to avoid control by terrorist groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.