Confusion surrounds reports on the health of Esma Assad, the wife of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

Conflicting reports emerged on Sunday regarding the health of Asma al-Assad, the wife of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Initial reports from Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, claimed that Asma al-Assad had passed away. However, these reports were swiftly contradicted by the Baath Party’s Qatar branch, which denied the death rumors.

Recently, it was announced on 21 May that Asma al-Assad, 48, had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A statement from the Syrian presidency detailed that she exhibited various symptoms and clinical signs that led to medical examinations and tests confirming the diagnosis.

Consequently, she was to undergo a specialized treatment protocol that required isolation, resulting in her withdrawal from public activities.

The IRNA report on her death was briefly echoed by the Syrian government through an official statement, which was subsequently deleted, adding to the confusion.

In August 2019, Asma al-Assad had previously announced her recovery from breast cancer, which was detected early in 2018. Acute myeloid leukemia, her current diagnosis, is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells.

The contradictory statements have left many uncertain about the current status of Asma al-Assad’s health, with official sources providing limited clarification. As the situation develops, further updates are awaited from the Syrian government.