Syrian first lady diagnosed with leukemia

DAMASCUS -- Syrian First Lady Asma al-Assad has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer, the Syrian presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.

She will suspend her direct work and participation in events and activities to focus on treatment, a specialized protocol that requires isolation and social distancing, said the statement.

Asma al-Assad, who has been the first lady of Syria since 2000, is known for her humanitarian work and efforts to support various causes in Syria.