ALBAWABA - According to a report by Bloomberg, a source close to the Kremlin has stated that Russia has no intention of stepping in to save Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as opposition forces continue to gain ground across Syria.
The source emphasized that "Russia has no plans to intervene to rescue Assad while the Syrian army abandons its positions."
This revelation comes shortly after the Russian embassy in Damascus issued a statement urging Russian nationals to leave Syria due to the deteriorating security situation. The embassy confirmed that it would maintain its operations despite the escalating conflict.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the situation in Syria as a "complex game" involving numerous players. Speaking to the media, Lavrov shared that he had held discussions with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts regarding the ongoing developments and that the three countries aim to meet this week, potentially in Doha.
Lavrov expressed hope for a productive dialogue, continuing the trilateral talks on Syria’s future that have been ongoing as part of the Astana process. Turkey supports the Syrian opposition, while Russia and Iran remain staunch allies of Assad.
The Syrian armed opposition has been making rapid advances since November 27, clashing with regime forces in various regions. On November 29, they entered Aleppo, followed by the capture of Idlib the next day. By Thursday, opposition forces had seized control of Hama.
On Friday morning, the opposition extended its control to the cities of Al-Rastan and Talbiseh in central Homs Province. Opposition leaders have reiterated that their primary objective remains the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
The situation continues to evolve as opposition forces push closer to strategic areas, raising questions about Assad’s ability to maintain control without external intervention.
