British-Syrian actress Dyala Al Wadi killed in armed robbery at her Damascus home

Dubai: A tragic scene unfolded late Sunday night in Damascus’s upscale Al Malki neighbourhood, where British-Syrian actress Dyala Al Wadi was killed in an armed robbery at her residence, Syria’s Ministry of Interior confirmed. According to Syrian media reports, the assailant pursued Al Wadi to the entrance of her home, forced his way inside, and strangled her before fleeing with cash and gold jewellery.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the violent nature of the attack, describing it as a direct assault with the sole intent of theft. The Ministry of Interior said the Criminal Investigation Department has launched a formal inquiry and is currently collecting evidence at the crime scene to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.

 The Syrian Artists Syndicate mourned the actress in a statement posted on its official Facebook page: “Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of actress Dyala Salhi Al Wadi, who was killed in an armed robbery at her home. Indeed, we belong to God and to Him we shall return.”

 Al Wadi, who held British citizenship, had lived in Damascus for many years, residing. She was the daughter of Salhi Al Wadi, a towering figure in Syria’s musical history and the founder of both the Higher Institute of Music and the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra.

Known for her presence in Syria’s cultural and artistic circles, Dyala Al Wadi performed in several theatrical productions and television dramas over the years. She graduated from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in 1986.

 News of her death sent shockwaves through Syria’s artistic community, prompting an outpouring of grief on social media from friends, colleagues, and admirers.