Ousted Syrian President Assad Targeted In Poisoning Attempt, Claims Former Russian Spy

Moscow: Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly been the target of a poisoning attempt in Moscow. Reports suggested that Assad fell ill at his apartment in Moscow, following which a team of doctors were called for treatment. Notably, ousted Syrian President Assad has been living in Moscow under Russian President Vladimir Putin's protection since December 8 last year.

According to a social media account, General SVR, run by a former Russian spy, Assad fell ill on Sunday and began coughing violently and choking after seeking medical help. The account claimed that there is reason to believe an assassination attempt was made.

Assad was treated in his apartment, and his condition stabilised by Monday. However, Russian authorities have not confirmed the incident, and the reports remain unverified.

The ousted Syrian president and his family have been living in exile in Moscow after he was removed from power by rebels in Syria. 

The X account, run by the former Russian Spy tweeted, “There is every reason to believe that an assassination attempt was made on former #Syrian President #Bashar_al_Assad. In the afternoon on Sunday, Assad complained to security guards about indisposition and breathing problems and asked to call for medical help. Almost immediately after the request, he started coughing violently and began choking. Asad was given water and this helped to ease the attack a little, but his breathing still did not return to normal, and headache and abdominal pain were added. By the time the medics arrived, the condition of the former #Syria president was deteriorating.”

"The condition of Bashar al-Assad was promptly reported to representatives of the Russian leadership. While the medics were rendering first aid to Assad, an order was received to treat him at home if possible and not to place the "patient" in a hospital. After the first aid was rendered, the medics received "reinforcements" and a treatment room was set up in Assad's apartment," the post read.

“As of Monday evening, according to the attending doctors, Bashar al-Assad's condition is stable and he feels normal. The tests taken from the former Syrian president showed the presence of traces of exposure to poisonous substances in his body. According to the report to the Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev, an investigation is underway, but so far it has not been possible to find out how Bashar al-Assad was exposed to the poison,” the social media account, named General SVR, tweeted. 

Further details regarding the incident are being awaited.