Asma al-Assad, wife of the former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is reportedly fighting leukaemia, an aggressive form of cancer affecting the bone marrow and blood, with her chances of survival estimated at 50%.
Born in London to Syrian parents and a dual citizen of the UK and Syria, she has sought isolation during her treatment to minimize infection risks, according to The Telegraph.
Previously declared cancer-free in 2020 after battling breast cancer, the condition has reportedly resurfaced. Asma, who studied computer science and French literature at King’s College London before a career in investment banking, married Bashar in December 2000, and they have three children.
Ousted #Syrian first lady #AsmaAssad diagnosed with #leukaemia, survival chance 50/50https://t.co/RlMJ9Nnn5U
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) December 26, 2024Since the onset of the Syrian uprising, Asma has reportedly attempted to relocate to London with her children. Amidst her dissatisfaction with her life in Moscow, she is believed to have filed for divorce from Assad, although the Kremlin has denied such reports. Additionally, she is said to have sought permission from a Russian court to leave the country, a request currently under review by Russian authorities.
Following a rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham on December 8, Bashar al-Assad, along with his family, fled Syria. Now residing in Moscow under asylum, he faces significant restrictions, including travel limitations within the city and a ban on political activities. Despite reports of his assets being frozen, the Kremlin has refuted these claims.
