Syria’s embattled President, Bashir Al-Assad has paid a surprise visit to Moscow for talks with Russian President, Vladmir Putin.
It is Al-Assad’s first foreign trip since 2011 and his trip is thought to be connected with Russia’s recent efforts in fighting ISIL in Syria.
Russia has launched airstrikes against ISIL strongholds and reportedly killed 45 people in an airstrike yesterday. The visit took place yesterday but was only reported today by Russian media.
Assad’s visit to Moscow is definitely a symbolic message to America showing Russian support and therefore discouraging Western involvement without Russia’s backing.