There are new claims suggesting that Asma Assad, wife of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, might have had ties with British intelligence, according to Syrian opposition journalist Nizar Nayouf.
The information, reported by Sky News Arabia, has raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity about the possible connections between the Assad family and foreign intelligence agencies.
Asma Assad’s Background and Possible Connections
Born in London in 1975, Asma al-Assad (née Akhras) grew up in the UK and holds both British and Syrian citizenship.
She attended King’s College, University of London, and worked at JPMorgan Bank before marrying Bashar al-Assad.
The story goes that British intelligence officer Eliza Bowler helped her secure the banking position, and Syrian intelligence has allegedly noted the possibility of British involvement in her career path.
Her relationship with Bashar al-Assad dates back to the early 1990s when he moved to London to study ophthalmology.
The couple married in December 2000, shortly after Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad, passed away, and Bashar assumed the presidency.
The couple’s marriage was a significant moment, especially considering that Hafez al-Assad had initially opposed the match, likely due to concerns about Asma’s background and her possible connections with Western intelligence.
Intelligence Reports and Meetings with British Officials
According to some intelligence reports, there are indications that British intelligence was aware of Bashar and Asma’s meetings.
These reports describe how British intelligence officers were reportedly stationed outside luxury hotels in London during meetings with Asma and her mother, who held a prominent position at the Syrian Embassy in London.
Additionally, at a social gathering hosted by Asma’s father, discussions about Syrian internal affairs and Syrian-Israeli relations allegedly took place, with British intelligence officers present.
However, these reports remain unconfirmed, and it is unclear how accurate these claims are.
Some of the documents referenced by the journalist have yet to be verified.
Personal and Family Background
Asma al-Assad’s mother, a high-ranking official at the Syrian Embassy in London, played a role in her connection to Bashar.
It was during this period that Asma was introduced to him, and they began their relationship while Bashar was studying in the UK.
After their marriage, Asma became the First Lady of Syria.
She had been working in banking before transitioning into her new role, but her focus shifted to social and economic reform initiatives within the country.
However, her work as First Lady was interrupted by the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, which halted many of the plans and reforms she had been involved with.
The war and ongoing political struggles also heavily impacted her position and influence.
Asma’s Health and Ongoing Treatment
In more recent news, Asma al-Assad has been battling acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
According to reports, she has been receiving treatment since at least May 2024, with doctors estimating her chances of recovery at about 50%.
Asma reportedly traveled to Moscow for treatment just weeks before the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, marking a significant chapter in her health journey amid the ongoing political turmoil.
As the situation around Asma al-Assad continues to unfold, many questions remain about her role both within Syria and potentially beyond its borders.
The claims of cooperation with British intelligence, if proven true, would add a complex layer to her already controversial legacy.