Syrian President Bashar Assad and his family have been living on a warship located in the Mediterranean, with security provided by Russia, Saudi newspaper Al Watan has reported.

According to intelligence officials, the family and Assad’s aides live on the ship and Assad travels to Syria by helicopter to attend official meetings and receptions.

Assad has lost confidence in his own security detail and lands at secret locations inside Syria from where he is transported to the presidential palace under heavy guard, the sources said.

Assad’s presence on the warship suggests he has been granted political asylum by Russia but there has been no official comment from Moscow, Al Watan added.