Bashar Al-Assad’s wife Asma diagnosed with leukaemia, has 50 pc chance of survival: Reports

Asma al-Assad, the wife of Syria’s former President Bashar al-Assad, is reportedly battling leukaemia, an aggressive cancer affecting the bone marrow and blood. According to media sources, the British-born former first lady has a 50 percent chance of survival and is currently undergoing intensive treatment in isolation to reduce the risk of infection.

Asma had previously fought breast cancer in 2019, announcing herself cancer-free after completing a year-long treatment. However, reports indicate that the blood cancer may have resurfaced after a period of remission, presenting a severe challenge for her health.

Born in London in 1975 to Syrian parents, Asma holds dual British-Syrian citizenship. She earned degrees in computer science and French literature from King’s College London before starting a career in investment banking. Asma married Bashar al-Assad in December 2000, and the couple has three children.

Since the Syrian uprising began, Asma has reportedly expressed her desire to leave Syria with her children and live in London. Speculation also suggests she has filed for divorce from Bashar al-Assad, citing dissatisfaction with her life in Moscow. However, Kremlin officials have dismissed these claims. 

Further reports reveal that Asma has allegedly approached a Russian court, requesting special permission to leave the country. This application is currently under review by Russian authorities.

President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia on December 8, leaving behind many of his collaborators, some of whom sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

According to sources, the ousted president, who fled to Moscow via the Russian military airfield in Hmeimim on Syria's coast, was accompanied by only a handful of confidants.