Syria’s al-Sharaa in Moscow to request Assad’s extradition from Russia
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived on Wednesday in Moscow for his first official visit, during which he is expected to request the extradition of former ruler Bashar al-Assad from Russia, a government official told AFP.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that al-Sharaa “will ask the Russian president to hand over all individuals who committed war crimes and are in Russia, most notably Bashar al-Assad.”
According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, al-Sharaa’s visit aims to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and economic cooperation, including investment opportunities, the status of Russian military bases in Syria, and the rearmament of the new Syrian army.
Russia, a key ally of Assad throughout the 14-year civil war, provided both diplomatic cover at the UN Security Council and direct military intervention in 2015, launching heavy airstrikes in support of Damascus.
Despite past tensions, Syria’s new leadership has sought to maintain stable ties with Moscow. However, uncertainty remains over the future of Russia’s naval base in Tartus and its air base at Khmeimim following Assad’s downfall.