In a surprising turn of events, a group of men raised the Syrian opposition flag at the embassy in Moscow on Monday morning, as reported by an AFP journalist on the scene. The men took to the balcony of the embassy, celebrating the moment by clapping and singing while the green, red, black, and white flag—the symbol of opposition—fluttered above them amidst a gentle snowfall.
An embassy representative confirmed to TASS state news agency that the facility was operating normally under this new flag, marking a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape regarding Syria. The display at the Syrian embassy reflects a broader political change, particularly given Russia’s previous support for the regime of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
In an additional development highlighting the urgency of the situation, a Kremlin source revealed that Assad and his family had been in Moscow just hours after fleeing Syria, as Islamist-led rebels made rapid gains and entered the capital, Damascus. The Kremlin’s confirmation underscores the precarious state of affairs for Assad, who had relied heavily on Russia as a key ally throughout the prolonged conflict in Syria.
Furthermore, the same sources indicated that the rebels, having successfully conducted a swift offensive that removed Assad from power, assured the safety and security of Russian military bases and diplomatic installations located in Syria. This promise raises questions about the future of Russian involvement in the region and its response to the changing political dynamics. The events at the Syrian embassy in Moscow encapsulate the ongoing turbulence as the balance of power in Syria continues to shift dramatically.
