Despite mounting pressure from revolutionary forces and the withdrawal of his family and key foreign backers, Assad is said to remain in Syria. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, Assad’s wife, Asma al-Assad, and their children have fled to Russia, while some members of his family are residing in the UAE.
Revolutionary forces have made significant territorial gains since launching a surprise offensive, dubbed Repelling the Aggression on November 27. Key victories include the capture of Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, and parts of Homs. On Friday, rebel fighters seized Daraa city and targeted regime strongholds in Suwayda. Assad regime forces have retreated from several areas, signaling a collapse in their ranks.
The deteriorating situation has prompted Russia, Jordan, and Iraq to call on their citizens to leave Syria. The Russian embassy in Damascus described the conditions as “difficult” and urged nationals to use commercial flights for evacuation. Similarly, Jordan has established a crisis cell to facilitate the safe return of its citizens, and the Iraqi embassy has begun registering citizens for repatriation.
Iran, a longstanding ally of the Assad regime, has begun evacuating key personnel, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Quds Force. According to The New York Times, military advisors, diplomats, and their families are being relocated to Iraq, Lebanon, and Tehran. Iranian officials reportedly cited the inability to support the regime militarily as a critical factor behind the withdrawal.
Analyst Mehdi Rahmati, speaking to The New York Times, highlighted Iran’s realization that it “cannot manage the situation in Syria” without the commitment of Assad’s forces. This marks a significant shift for Tehran, which has supported Assad since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution 13 years ago.
While Assad remains in Damascus, his position appears increasingly precarious. Arab officials have suggested exile as a potential resolution, though Assad has yet to comment publicly, rumors abound he may soon break his silence. Meanwhile, revolutionary forces are advancing on multiple fronts, threatening to encircle remaining regime-held territories, including the capital.
The rapid developments in Syria signal a turning point in the conflict, with Assad’s regime losing key allies and the revolution gaining momentum. Withdrawals by Russia and Iran, coupled with growing Arab pressure, leave Assad isolated as the conflict enters a decisive phase.
