So basically the awkward wording is due to the translation from the French. Basically it says that Assad was shot by an Iranian bodyguard and depending on who you believe or read, he’s either dead or close to it. Sounds like Damascus is locked down and in a state of siege and there will undoubtedly further developments to follow.
A dying or mortally wounded (in the actual correct sense Joe) Assad would be the worse possible situation. He will fire the WMD missiles he has that are much more accurate then plain scuds, if he is dying but can still issue orders.