Moscow: Bashar al-Assad, the former President of Syria, has reportedly been poisoned while in Moscow, Russia, where he has been granted asylum. According to multiple reports, Assad fell seriously ill this week. A social media account operated by an ex-Russian spy, known as “General SVR,” claimed that Assad sought urgent medical attention after experiencing choking and severe discomfort, suggesting a possible assassination attempt.
Assad Poisoned in Moscow: Details Emerge
The “General SVR” account provided detailed accounts of the incident, stating, “In the afternoon on Sunday, Assad complained to security guards about indisposition and breathing problems and asked to call for medical help. Almost immediately after the request, he started coughing violently and began choking. Assad was given water, which helped ease the attack slightly, but his breathing did not return to normal, and headache and abdominal pain were added.”
Assad’s Condition Stable, Investigation Underway
As of Monday evening, Assad’s condition was reportedly stable, according to the same source. The account added, “Tests taken from the former Syrian president showed the presence of traces of exposure to a poisonous substance in his body. An investigation is underway, but it has not yet been determined how Assad was exposed to the poison.” Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev has reportedly been briefed on the situation.
Assassination Attempt?
The exiled Syrian leader, now under Russian protection after fleeing his war-torn country, is believed to have been the target of an assassination attempt. “There is every reason to believe an assassination attempt was made,” claimed the social media post.
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Asma al-Assad’s Health and Divorce Battle
In a separate but related development, Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of Bashar al-Assad, is undergoing treatment for acute leukemia. The 49-year-old is reportedly in isolation to reduce the risk of infection. Earlier this year, in May, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, following her successful battle against breast cancer in 2019. Reports suggest Asma arrived in Moscow for medical care shortly before her husband was persuaded to leave Syria.
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Amid her treatment, reports have surfaced of Asma filing for divorce in Moscow. According to The Jerusalem Post, she has requested permission from Russian authorities to return to the United Kingdom for urgent medical care with her children. The divorce filing is reportedly linked to her dissatisfaction with life in Moscow since relocating there.
