Between 2018 and 2019, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad secretly transferred approximately $250 million in cash to Moscow via 21 flights, circumventing Western sanctions imposed during the Syrian Civil War. This money, transported in bulk currency, was deposited in the sanctioned Russian Financial Corporation Bank, controlled by Rosoboronexport. The transfers coincided with increased Russian military support for Assad’s regime and a period of lavish spending by the Assad family on luxury Moscow properties. These actions highlight Assad’s efforts to safeguard assets amidst the conflict and ongoing international pressure.
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Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), destroyed the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar al-Assad’s father, in Qardaha. This followed a rapid rebel offensive that ousted the Assad regime, with Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia. The fall of the Assad regime has prompted international reactions, including blame from Iran and Israeli air strikes targeting Syrian military assets. Meanwhile, Damascus is showing signs of life returning to normal, although many citizens still grapple with the aftermath of the conflict.
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A former intelligence officer alleges that Bashar al-Assad moved $135 billion in Syrian assets to Russia during his escape, a claim generating significant international scrutiny. These accusations, reported by Turkiye Gazetesi, raise questions about the origin and future management of this alleged fortune, as well as the potential for legal action. The timing coincides with calls for Assad’s Russian citizenship and President Zelenskyy’s condemnation of Assad’s actions in Syria. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical implications of Assad’s exile and the potential ramifications of his alleged wealth transfer.
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The Biden administration announced its support for a new Syrian government that renounces terrorism, disarms, and protects minority rights, following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This support will involve collaboration with Syrian groups and regional partners, even potentially including the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebel group, despite its terrorist designation. Simultaneously, Israel launched significant airstrikes in Syria, seizing a Golan Heights buffer zone, actions the White House deemed necessary for national security. The U.S. is navigating this volatile situation while also targeting remaining ISIS fighters and supporting ongoing efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire.
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Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) leader Abu Mohammed al Jolani assures foreign countries that Syria, following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, poses no threat. He attributes past fears to the Assad regime and Iranian-backed militias, asserting that their removal paves the way for stability and reconstruction. Jolani claims Syria is exhausted from war and unlikely to engage in further conflict, despite his group’s past association with al-Qaeda and ongoing designation as a terrorist organization by the U.S. Discussions are underway regarding the potential revocation of this designation.
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Bashar al-Assad’s impressive car collection, mirroring those of other fallen dictators, included a diverse range of vehicles. The collection boasted off-road vehicles like a Lamborghini LM002 alongside supercars such as a Ferrari F50 and a Mercedes SLR McLaren. A 1970s Mercedes Pullman limousine, a hallmark of luxury, served as a centerpiece. The ultimate fate of this multi-million dollar collection remains uncertain, with the possibility of it being lost to chaos or appearing on the black market.
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John Bolton, Trump’s former national security advisor, expressed concern over Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence, citing her past meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Bolton suggested the Syrian regime may possess compromising files on several Americans, including Gabbard, highlighting her controversial stance on Syria as a non-threat to the U.S. This follows reports of a major rebel offensive in Syria, potentially leading to the discovery of these files. Bolton’s comments raise significant concerns about Gabbard’s qualifications and potential conflicts of interest.
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Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, along with his family, has received asylum in Moscow, Russia, following the swift collapse of his regime after a rebel offensive. The rebels, having secured key cities like Homs and Damascus, including the presidential palace, celebrated widely while Assad’s whereabouts remained initially unknown. Russia’s actions came after negotiations with Syrian opposition leaders, guaranteeing the safety of Russian assets in the country. This event marks a significant turning point after 13 years of civil war in Syria.
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Following the rebel takeover of Damascus, Russia officially announced that Bashar al-Assad had resigned and left Syria. His last public appearance was a week prior, where he vowed to crush the rebels. Conflicting reports place Assad on a Syrian Air plane departing Damascus airport early Sunday, though flight tracking data is inconclusive. The plane’s transponder signal was lost near Homs, but no crash has been reported.
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A plane, reportedly carrying Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, vanished from radar after taking off from Damascus. This sparked immediate speculation that Assad was fleeing to Russia, seeking refuge under the protection of Vladimir Putin. The flight path, initially heading towards Assad’s Alawite stronghold, made a sudden, inexplicable U-turn before disappearing, fueling rumors of a potential crash or a deliberate attempt to evade detection.
The timing of the plane’s disappearance is highly significant, coinciding with reports of rebel advances in Damascus. This adds credence to the theory that Assad, fearing for his safety and the imminent collapse of his regime, initiated a hasty escape.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood