Recent media reports suggest that former Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad was the target of a suspected poisoning attempt on Sunday while in Russia. Assad reportedly experienced breathing difficulties and his condition worsened significantly before medical help could arrive.

Media speculation points to deteriorating relations between Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin as a possible factor behind the alleged attack. Assad has been residing in Russia under Putin's protection since December 8, following his departure from Syria when rebels seized control of Damascus.

According to a social media account called General SVR, allegedly run by a former Russian intelligence operative, Assad experienced severe coughing and choking fits after falling ill on Sunday. The account stated there was substantial evidence suggesting an assassination attempt.

Medical treatment was administered in Assad's apartment, and by Monday his condition had reportedly stabilized. Medical tests allegedly revealed traces of poison in his system, though neither Syrian nor Russian authorities have officially confirmed these reports.

The situation stems from a swift rebel offensive in early December, which caught Assad's regime unprepared. The former Syrian leader fled to Russia when Damascus fell to a rebel coalition spearheaded by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who declared Assad's overthrow after an 11-day military campaign.