Dim Amor

Reports published in Russia reveal this morning that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was involved in a serious security incident in Moscow, when an attempt was made to poison him following his arrival in the Russian capital. According to the reports, Assad, who fled to Moscow after being ousted from power, was poisoned during his stay in the city, in what is considered an assassination attempt on his life.

This is the second assassination attempt against Assad within a relatively short period of time. In January 2025, a previous attempt was already made to poison the former Syrian president, when he was apparently saved thanks to immediate medical treatment. This time, according to reports, Assad was taken for medical treatment following exposure to poison, but his health condition is defined as stable at present.

Details of the incident raise many questions regarding the exact circumstances of the poisoning attempt and the identity of those behind the act. Thus far, those responsible have not been disclosed, and Russian security services have yet to provide official information on the matter. The very fact that this is a second assassination attempt within a span of just a few months indicates an ongoing threat to Assad's life, even while he is staying on Russian territory.

Assad, who was forced to leave Syria after being deposed from power, found refuge in Russia – his regime's historic ally. However, the repeated assassination attempts against him raise concerns about the stability of his position even in a country that is supposed to provide him protection. The question of who seeks to harm Assad and why remains open, as various actors may be involved – ranging from political rivals, through Syrian opposition groups, to international players with interests in the Middle East.

Photo: AP