Damascus says First Lady Asma al-Assad being treated for breast cancer
- 6 years ago
The Syrian government says the wife of President Bashar al-Assad has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Photos posted on social media show British-born Asma al-Assad sitting alongside the president with an IV line in her arm, while apparently undergoing treatment.
The public disclosure of a serious health issue in the top echelons of an Arab state is quite rare as such matters are usually shrouded in secrecy.
Syria's First Lady was placed under EU sanctions in 2012 over the government's violent response to the Syrian uprising.
She has consistently stood by her husband despite allegations of war crimes.
Photos posted on social media show British-born Asma al-Assad sitting alongside the president with an IV line in her arm, while apparently undergoing treatment.
The public disclosure of a serious health issue in the top echelons of an Arab state is quite rare as such matters are usually shrouded in secrecy.
Syria's First Lady was placed under EU sanctions in 2012 over the government's violent response to the Syrian uprising.
She has consistently stood by her husband despite allegations of war crimes.