Assad's life in pictures

Syrian President Hafez-al-Assad was rarely photographed but was occasionally snapped at official state functions.

In these images he is seen with family, during lighter moments and with some of the important regional leaders of the day.

Family man: President Assad with his sons and daughter. Basil, centre, died in a car crash

A rare 1973 picture of the Syrian president smiling

And receiving a 'thank-you' kiss while opening a stadium in 1974

President Assad with Idi Amin, Anwar Sadat and Col Muammar Gaddafi

Looking frail and gaunt earlier this year

President Assad with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1977