Al-Assad Takes Asylum In Russia, His Strongest Ally, As Syrians Celebrate 'Freedom' | Latest

Russian state news agencies Tass and RIA have cited an unidentified source from Kremlin to release the news of Assad's arrival in Russia's Moscow.

RIA also reported that Moscow had received guarantees from Syrian insurgents of the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic posts in Syria.

Russia also said that Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully.

Assad reportedly left Syria early Sunday. There were speculations made by people on social media with flight trackers unable to reveal whereabouts of Assad for most part of Sunday.

During al-Assad’s rule, Syria was Russia’s strongest ally in West Asia.

Al-Assad agreed to let Russia use a naval base in Tartous and an airbase in Hmeimim, located in Latakia, in return for Russia's help with politics and military support.

Syrians have been pouring into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family's 50 years of iron rule.

Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago led the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country's future.

He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital's sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad's fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation”.