Asma Assad, the former first lady of Syria and wife of ousted president Bashar Assad, has been diagnosed with leukaemia and is reported to be in critical condition. Sources indicate that she has a 50/50 chance of survival, as she battles an acute form of the disease. This marks a serious health setback for the British-born Asma, who previously fought breast cancer and had declared herself cancer-free in 2019 following treatment.
Asma’s condition has prompted urgent medical care, and she is said to be undergoing treatment while in isolation to minimize the risk of infection. The former first lady, who had been residing in Syria until recently, was reportedly the first member of the Assad family to flee as the conflict intensified in the country. She, along with her children, relocated to Moscow, while Bashar Assad stayed behind in Syria to manage the political and military situation. In Russia, Asma is being cared for by her father, Fawaz Akhras, a well-respected cardiologist in London’s Harley Street. However, reports indicate that Akhras is deeply distressed by his daughter’s illness.
Asma’s health battle comes after she overcame breast cancer, and her leukaemia diagnosis in May has raised concerns that her previous battle with cancer may have contributed to the reemergence of this new illness. The Syrian presidency confirmed her condition but has refrained from further details.
Reports have also surfaced that Asma Assad has grown disillusioned with her life in Russia, where she has been restricted in terms of movement and access. Some sources have suggested that she is considering a divorce from her husband, Bashar Assad, and seeking further treatment in London. The Kremlin has denied these claims, and the Assad family has not commented publicly on the situation.
In the UK, where Asma holds dual citizenship, the political climate surrounding her situation has become tense. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that Asma Assad is currently subject to sanctions and is not welcome to return to the UK. He made it clear in a statement to the House of Commons, saying, “Asma Assad is a sanctioned individual and is not welcome here in the UK.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that it is too early to determine whether she could lose her British citizenship.
Despite the turmoil surrounding her health and political status, Asma Assad’s story has raised questions about her future and the international community’s response to her ongoing battle with leukaemia. Meanwhile, British officials are reportedly engaging with representatives of Syria’s new regime, now led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in an effort to manage diplomatic relations in the region.
The situation remains fluid, with many eyes on both Asma Assad’s health and the political developments in Syria. The UK government has yet to provide further commentary on her circumstances, leaving many questions unanswered as the crisis deepens.
Sources By Agencies
