Syrian general accused of atrocities paid and protected by US and Lebanon, BBC finds
Summary
A former Syrian general named Bassam al-Hassan, wanted for crimes against humanity, is living in Lebanon with support from the US and Lebanese authorities. The US is protecting him because he provides information about the 2012 kidnapping of American journalist Austin Tice and other intelligence.Key Facts
- Bassam al-Hassan was a senior adviser to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and oversaw Syria's chemical weapons program.
- He is accused of crimes against humanity and involved in the planned abduction of Austin Tice.
- After Syria’s government changed in 2024, Hassan moved to Lebanon, where he is protected.
- The FBI and Lebanese security have made an agreement to shelter Hassan in exchange for intelligence, mainly about Austin Tice.
- The US pays Hassan through a middleman to keep the payments less visible.
- Syrian officials want Hassan returned to Syria to face trial, but the US prefers keeping him in Lebanon.
- There is little evidence that Hassan’s information has helped advance the investigation into Tice’s disappearance.
- Other former Syrian regime members involved in the Tice case also receive US payments and support.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
