MOSCOW — Exiled Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad was reportedly hospitalized in critical condition after being poisoned at his private villa near Moscow, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The group stated that Assad was rushed to a local hospital on September 20 and released nine days later after receiving medical treatment.

Assad, a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been living under heavy security in Russia following years of conflict and international isolation. Reports claim the poisoning occurred at his residence near Moscow — a heavily guarded compound where his movements remain strictly limited.

Despite these restrictions, sources say Assad has received numerous visitors in recent months, raising questions about potential motives and suspects behind the incident.

Neither the Kremlin nor Syrian officials have publicly commented on the alleged poisoning, and details remain unverified. However, the report has reignited international speculation about Assad’s health and the uncertain future of his exiled regime.