There were reports that Assad was poisoned in Moscow, the Russian authorities did not officially confirm the information about the incident

AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS

Exiled Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad reportedly survived a poisoning attempt in Moscow, where he has been under the protection of Vladimir Putin since December 8, 2024.

According to information from the "General SVR" account, which is claimed to be run by a former Russian spy, Asad (59) fell seriously ill on Sunday, when he felt a strong cough and suffocation. Tests allegedly confirmed the presence of poison in his body. He was treated in his apartment, and his condition stabilized by Monday. Russian authorities have not officially confirmed this incident.

The former leader, who was overthrown by the rebels, has been under the protection of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow since December 8 last year.

"Dear followers and guests of the channel! There is every reason to believe that an assassination attempt has been made against former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. On Sunday afternoon, Assad complained to his bodyguards about his poor health and breathing problems and requested medical attention. Almost immediately after the request, he began coughing violently and choking. He was given water, which alleviated the attack a little, but his breathing did not return to normal, and a headache and stomach pain appeared. When the doctors arrived, the former Syrian president's condition worsened. Bashar al-Assad's condition was immediately reported to representatives of the Russian leadership. While the doctors provided him with first aid, he was ordered to be treated in his apartment, if possible, and not to be transferred to the hospital. After providing first aid, the medical team was reinforced, and a makeshift surgery was set up in his apartment. According to doctors on Monday evening, Bashar al-Assad's condition is stable and he feels normal . Analyses showed traces of a toxic substance in his body. "According to a report sent to Russian presidential adviser Nikolai Patrushev, an investigation is underway, but it has not yet been determined how Assad was exposed to the poison," the post on X reads. Assad and his family, including his wife Asma, are living in exile in Moscow after have fled Syria following a rebel uprising that ended his two-decade rule. London-born Asma is unable to return to the UK due to her passport expiring. According to reports, she reportedly wants to return to the UK and is considering a divorce.