Ex-Syrian President Assad Allegedly Poisoned in Moscow apartment.
Reports have emerged claiming that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was allegedly poisoned in his Moscow apartment on Sunday, December 29, 2024. The claim was made by a social media account named General SVR, reportedly run by former members of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service. According to the account, Assad fell ill, experiencing breathing difficulties and violent coughing, which led to suspicions of an assassination attempt.
Assad and his family have been living in Moscow since December 2024 after being ousted by rebel groups in Syria. The Kremlin had offered refuge to Assad, a long-time ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the personal relationship between the two leaders has reportedly become strained, with neither completely trusting the other.
The General SVR account posted on New Year’s Eve that Assad had asked for medical help after feeling unwell and having trouble breathing. He began coughing violently and choking, and Russian authorities were promptly informed. An order was issued to treat Assad at home rather than in any medical institution. Tests reportedly showed traces of exposure to a toxic substance in his body, although the exact method of exposure remains unclear.
The Kremlin has dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated, and there has been no official confirmation from Russian authorities. The General SVR account has a history of publishing dramatic and often unverified reports, including previous claims about the health of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The situation has sparked widespread speculation and concern, with social media users and tabloid newspapers picking up the story. The potential implications of such an assassination attempt are significant, given Assad’s past role as the leader of Syria and his current status as a political refugee in Russia.
As investigations continue, the international community watches closely, awaiting further developments and official statements from both Russian and Syrian authorities. The alleged poisoning of Assad adds another layer of complexity to the already tumultuous political landscape in the region.
