Bashar al-Assad reportedly granted asylum in Russia following government collapse

Bashar al-Assad and his family have reportedly been granted asylum in Russia, according to Russian news agencies. This development follows the rapid collapse of his government, causing confusion and fear among his loyalist communities in Syria. As Assad's regime fell, many prisoners were released from notorious detention centers. Videos showed newly freed individuals celebrating in the streets of Damascus, reuniting with family members after years of imprisonment. The release of prisoners marks a significant change in the situation in Syria, where security forces had detained hundreds of thousands during the civil war. The opening of prisons was a key objective for insurgents as they advanced through the country.