Asma al-Assad flees to Russia as Syrian regime falls to rebels

Bashar al-Assad's wife, Asma, has fled to Russia after her husband's regime was toppled by Syrian rebels. Once viewed as a symbol of empowerment, she became associated with oppression as her husband led a brutal crackdown during the civil war. Asma, born in England, married Assad in 2000 and initially projected a modern image. However, her support for his regime and involvement in oppressive policies led to international sanctions against her. Rebel forces captured Damascus in December 2024, marking the end of Assad's rule. He and his family received asylum in Russia, while opposition groups began establishing a transitional government.