Syria's Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow, Kremlin says

• Ten days ago, when the rebels launched their surprise attack, Assad was in Moscow for a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• The ousted president's wife, Asma al-Assad, has been staying in Russia for medical treatment over the last few weeks, Israeli officials said.

Behind the scenes: Israeli and U.S. officials said that Assad left his palace in Damascus around midnight Saturday and flew to the Russian air base in Khmeimim in western Syria, near the coastal city of Latakia.

• Israeli and U.S. officials said that Assad flew from there to Moscow a few hours later.

What they are saying: On Sunday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Assad had left Syria, but declined to confirm he was in Russia.

• The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed Assad decided to resign from the presidency and gave instructions to the Syrian Prime Minister for a peaceful transition of power.
• Kremlin officials told Russian media that Russia is in touch with the rebels who have guaranteed the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic facilities in Syria.