Alpha News

Syrian President Al-Assad Remains 'Missing' for Ninth Day Amid Conflicting Reports

Published January 7, 2026, 21:09

Nine days after his disappearance, the fate of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad remains unknown, with conflicting reports circulating. Pro-government media presented a video showing him shopping in a store, but the opposition disputes its authenticity, claiming it was filmed before rumors about his health surfaced. Simultaneously, a photo depicting him intubated in a hospital has circulated, with its authenticity unconfirmed. Analysts point out that a live address on state television would be the most effective way to dispel the rumors. Positive outcomes were reported from the Israel-Syria talks in Paris, aimed at stabilizing the region.