Syrian security forces arrested Ibrahim Huweija, a former intelligence head, over the 1977 assassination of Lebanese leader Kamal Jumblatt. This took place during clashes in Latakia, marking significant unrest since Assad’s ouster. Huweija is linked to numerous killings under Assad’s regime.
In a significant development, Syrian security forces apprehended Ibrahim Huweija, a former head of air force intelligence, who is suspected of involvement in the murder of Lebanese opposition leader Kamal Jumblatt in 1977. This arrest occurred amidst violent confrontations in Latakia, where supporters of the ousted president Bashar al-Assad clashed with security personnel. Reports indicate that the incident marked the most intense fighting in the region since Assad’s removal in December.
Huweija, a key figure in the Syrian intelligence community, presided over air force intelligence from 1987 until 2002, under both Hafez and Bashar al-Assad. Although he had been pivotal in various operations, public visibility of Huweija has been minimal, and there is scarce information about his activities. According to sources, he has been implicated in numerous assassinations, including that of Jumblatt.
Kamal Jumblatt, a notable leader from the Druze community and founder of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party, was assassinated on March 16, 1977, in proximity to a Syrian border post. His opposition to Hafez al-Assad’s military involvement in Lebanon during the civil war positioned him as a significant figure in the political landscape. Following Huweija’s arrest, Walid Jumblatt, Kamal’s son and successor, expressed his sentiments on social media, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The arrest of Ibrahim Huweija represents a pivotal moment in addressing historical grievances in Syria and Lebanon. As the former head of air force intelligence under the Assad regime, Huweija’s alleged involvement in numerous assassinations underscores the prolonged implications of the Assad family’s rule. This incident could potentially influence ongoing political discourse and reconciliation efforts within the region.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
