Lebanon has detained numerous Syrian regime officers following unrest that pushed Bashar al-Assad’s regime to the brink. Interpol has issued a warrant for Jamil Hassan, citing war crimes. Reports indicate Syrian military personnel are in Lebanon, fearing for their safety if they return, while cooperation between Lebanese authorities and HTS is evolving to address security concerns.
Lebanon is currently grappling with a significant influx of Syrian regime officers who have been detained in the aftermath of the civil unrest that led to the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Interpol has issued a warrant for Jamil Hassan, head of the Syrian Air Force Intelligence, citing accusations of war crimes and genocide against him. This warrant compels Lebanese authorities to apprehend him should he set foot on Lebanese soil or attempt to enter the country.
Reports indicate that numerous regime officials, including members of the infamous Fourth Armoured Division, have been arrested in Lebanon following a rebellion that saw Assad and his regime falter. These individuals reportedly crossed into Lebanon illegally after the successful rebel offensive on December 8, resulting in a wave of speculation around their presence in the country.
Lebanese officials, initially dismissive of the rumors regarding Syrian military personnel, have since acknowledged the situation, with Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam al-Mawlawi indicating that wanted individuals from the former Syrian regime have been identified at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport. Moreover, multiple arrests have been made, particularly of those who attempted to sell their military weapons at alarmingly low prices.
The rogue officers fled in military attire, carrying arms and equipment, fearing retribution should they return to Syria. Notably, only a handful of those detained have shown any willingness to return. Furthermore, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati is exploring cooperative security measures with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the de-facto authority in opposition-held areas of Syria, signaling potential shifts in regional alliances.
The situation in Lebanon is deeply intertwined with the ongoing Syrian civil war that has resulted in widespread destabilization. Following the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, various factions, including HTS, gained ground, forcing many from the Assad regime to flee. Interpol’s active involvement underscores the serious allegations against Syrian officials, particularly concerning human rights violations committed during the conflict. Lebanon’s geographical proximity to Syria makes it a refuge for those escaping the regime, complicating both security and diplomatic relations in the region.
In summary, the detainment of Syrian regime officers in Lebanon, coupled with Interpol’s warrant for Jamil Hassan, illustrates the ongoing ramifications of the Syrian civil war. The cooperation between Lebanese authorities and HTS highlights an evolving security landscape in the region, emphasizing the intricate dynamics influenced by past conflicts and present political realities. As the situation develops, the balance of power and security at the Lebanon-Syria border remains precarious.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
