They tried to poison Assad in Moscow. #TheSun

The British newspaper The Sun, citing a “former Russian intelligence officer,” reported an assassination attempt on former Syrian President Bashar Assad. According to unconfirmed reports, when 59-year-old Assad had difficulty breathing and sought medical help, a toxic substance was found in his body. He is currently in stable condition. Russian government officials have not commented on this information.

Commenting on the incident, Блокнот Россия wrote that it is not yet clear whether the poisoning is political or a family conflict: his wife tried to get a divorce and left for London, but Assad was against the divorce.

Recall that Assad and his family have been granted asylum in Russia.