Bashar al-Assad, the deposed president of Syria, is reported to have sought refuge in Russia, where an alleged assassination attempt was made on his life. According to a report published by the British media outlet The Sun on Wednesday, January 1, Assad was targeted by poison in what appears to be an orchestrated attempt to kill him.

The claims originated from “General SVR,” an online account reportedly run by a former Russian intelligence officer. The account alleged that Assad, aged 59, fell severely ill last Sunday and sought urgent medical help from Moscow authorities. Witnesses reportedly observed him coughing violently and struggling to breathe during the ordeal. The incident unfolded in his Moscow apartment, where emergency medical assistance was provided. By Monday, Assad’s condition had reportedly stabilized, but tests allegedly detected traces of poison in his system, suggesting an intentional attempt to assassinate him.

The allegations have raised concerns about the security measures surrounding Assad, who has been under the protection of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s security apparatus since December 8. The incident has sparked scrutiny of Moscow’s ability to guarantee safety even within its own jurisdiction. Additionally, it has prompted questions about the credibility of the source, as no definitive evidence or official confirmation has been provided to substantiate the poisoning claims.

Reports of the poisoning attempt have surfaced alongside rumors regarding Assad’s personal life. In late December, speculation emerged suggesting that his wife, Asma al-Assad, a British-born former investment banker, was seeking a divorce. These rumors, however, remain unverified.

Asma is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia, a form of blood or bone marrow cancer, with doctors estimating her chances of survival at 50 percent. To minimize her risk of infection, Asma is reportedly in isolation and receiving intensive care. Despite the challenges posed by her illness, no credible reports have indicated that she has initiated divorce proceedings against her husband.

The combination of political intrigue, alleged assassination attempts, and personal struggles has thrust Assad’s situation into the international spotlight. The lack of clear evidence surrounding the poisoning claims has drawn skepticism, with The Sun noting the absence of corroborative information from Russian authorities or other reliable sources.

For now, Assad remains under heavy protection in Moscow, while questions linger about his future, the security of his hosts, and the motivations behind these unfolding events.