Syria denies reports of attack on President Sharaa

Syria on Monday denied reports of a security incident targeting President Ahmad al-Sharaa and senior officials.

Interior Ministry spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba said claims circulating on social media about an attack “were completely untrue” and included “forged statements falsely attributed to official bodies.” He urged citizens and media outlets to “exercise accuracy and responsibility and to rely solely on official, authorised sources for information.”

President Sharaa was later seen walking through the streets of Damascus and shopping at a local store in the Mazzeh neighbourhood using Syria’s new currency, a scene broadcast by state-run Alikhbaria TV that confirmed his safety. Shop staff said the president purchased items, including biscuits, and spoke with citizens about concerns over the new banknotes.

Unverified social media posts had alleged an assassination attempt at the presidential palace and injuries to senior officials, including Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.

The Syrian administration has strengthened security nationwide since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024. Assad, who led Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia, ending the Baath Party’s long-standing rule. Sharaa’s transitional government was formed in January 2025.

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