Moscow: An attempt has been made to assassinate former President Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia with his family to escape danger in Syria. According to a report in the British tabloid The Sun, Assad was targeted with poison in Moscow. Since the coup in Syria, Assad and his family have been living in Moscow. Russia, a long-time ally in the Middle East, has provided protection to the Assad family and arranged accommodation for them in an apartment.
The Sun report claims that the assassination attempt occurred within Assad’s residence and it had caused widespread alarm. Speculation has arisen regarding the identity of the plotters—does the new Syrian government wish to eliminate Assador is there another motive behind the attempt?
Condition stable
Under Vladimir Putin’s protection since December 8 of last year, Assad reportedly fell ill on Sunday. General SVR, an online account managed by a former senior Russian spy, said that the 59-year-old suffered from choking and persistent coughing. Subsequent tests detected poisonous substances in his body. However, after receiving treatment at his apartment, Assad’s condition reportedly stabilised by Monday. Russian authorities have not confirmed these claims.
Marital tensions, illness to poisoning
The identity of those responsible for poisoning Assad remains unknown. Compounding the intrigue are reports that his wife, Asma, wishes to return to Britain but cannot due to the expiration of her passport. Apart from that, rumours of marital tension between Assad and Asma have surfaced. Reports suggest that Asma, who is battling a serious illness, is seeking a divorce. Some speculate a connection between the poisoning attempt and the couple’s strained relationship.
