Putin Gives Nature To Syrian President Assad Who Was Overthrown By Rebels

Russian President Vladimir Putin/Obviously Vladimir Smirnov/TASS

The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin made the decision to grant asylum in Russia to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted by rebels.

Assad's fall was a major blow to Iran and Russia, which intervened in a 13-year civil war in Syria to try to shore up its power despite Western demands that Assad abandon power.

Russian news agency quoted an unnamed Kremlin source on Sunday as saying Assad was in Moscow with his family.

"Such a decision cannot be taken without a head of state. This is his decision," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters but gave no further details on Assad's actions.

Assad's departure eliminates the fort where Iran and Russia hold power in the Middle East. Assad's father, Hafez al-Assad, sided with the Soviet Union to try to achieve equality with US-backed Israel.

The Kremlin says Syria is experiencing extreme instability and it is too early to talk about the future of Russian bases in the country.

"We are in dialogue with Ankara and other regional countries, including regarding Syrian affairs," Peskov said.

"Of course, Syria will experience a very difficult time at this time, due to instability. Of course, it is very important to maintain dialogue with all countries in the region. We are determined to do this," he added.