Death and state funeral of Hafez al-Assad

President Hafez al-Assad of Syria, who has ruled the country since the 1970 Corrective Movement, died from a heart attack[1] on 10 June 2000 at age 69. His funeral was held three days later in the capital Damascus, and he was buried in a mausoleum in his hometown Qardaha in Latakia Governorate, beside his oldest son Bassel who died six years earlier.[2][3] He was succeeded by Abdul Halim Khaddam as caretaker president until presidential elections were held. Several national leaders paid tribute as the leader's body lay in state in the People's Palace.[4][5]

Death and state funeral of Hafez al-Assad

Official portrait of Hafez al-Assad
Date	10 June 2000 (2000-06-10)
Venue	Damascus, Syria