Media: Bashar al-Assad allegedly targeted in poisoning attempt in Moscow

A poisoning attempt has reportedly been made on Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian dictator, who has been living under the protection of Russian President Vladimir Putin since December 2023.

According to claims made by the online account General SVR—allegedly run by a former high-ranking Russian intelligence official—Assad fell ill on December 29. The source reports that the 59-year-old ex-leader requested medical assistance after suddenly suffering from severe symptoms, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Assad began to cough violently and choke, the General SVR source stated. There is every reason to believe an assassination attempt was made. The account did not cite any official sources, and there has been no confirmation from Russian authorities regarding the incident.

The source went on to report that Assad received treatment in his apartment, and his condition allegedly stabilised by December 30. Tests revealed the presence of poison in his system, the statement added, though specifics about the nature of the substance or how it was administered were not disclosed.

Assad and his wife, Asma, have been living in exile in Moscow following the collapse of Syria under the pressure of rebel forces in 2021, after his two-decade-long rule was brought to an abrupt end. Asma, born in London, has reportedly been seeking to return to the UK, though her passport has expired, leaving her unable to travel back.

A source close to the family stated, Asma is looking for a way to go back to the UK, but the situation is complicated. She may even be considering divorce.

The couple’s life in exile has been marked by reports of Putin offering refuge as Assad and his family fled the ongoing turmoil in Syria. While the details of their current circumstances remain largely secretive, there are growing speculations about the future of the family in Russia.

By Vugar Khalilov