Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Survives Alleged Poisoning Attempt in Moscow

Jan 2, 2025, 11:47 AM

Bashar al-Assad, the ousted president of Syria who has been living in exile in Moscow under the protection of Russian President Vladimir Putin since December 8, 2024, reportedly survived an assassination attempt through poisoning. According to claims made by the Russian Telegram channel General SVR, Assad, 59, fell ill on Sunday, experiencing severe symptoms including violent coughing and choking. He sought medical help, and tests later confirmed the presence of a poisonous substance in his blood. Assad received treatment at his apartment, and his condition stabilized by Monday. The General SVR channel, which claims to be run by former and current members of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, suggested that there was every reason to believe an assassination attempt had been made on Assad. No official confirmation or response has been issued by Russian authorities regarding these allegations.