Relatives of deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were arrested at Beirut’s international airport on December 27 as they attempted to flee Lebanon with forged passports. The Lebanese judicial and security officials confirmed the arrests of Rasha Khazem, the wife of Duraid Assad — the son of former Vice President Rifaat Assad — and their daughter, Shams. The trio had reportedly been smuggled illegally across the border and were attempting to board a flight to Egypt when they were caught.
Party to this turmoil, Rifaat Assad, infamous for his role during the 1982 Hama massacre, managed to leave Lebanon the day prior without incident, which raises questions about the authorities' focus on the Assad family's inner circle following Bashar al-Assad's ousting on December 8. Rifaat was indicted earlier this year by Swiss prosecutors on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the brutal suppression of the Muslim Brotherhood revolt, during which over 10,000 people were killed.
The arrest of Khazem and Shams shines a spotlight on the heightened scrutiny surrounding the Assad family and their network as Lebanese authorities have ramped up operations against remnants of the Assad regime. Amid these developments, the Lebanese judicial system has been on high alert, targeting several members of the Syrian military and intelligence officials who recently attempted to flee Lebanon or were caught trying to sell weapons amid the crumbling regime.
Continuing with their crackdown, Lebanese security forces have arrested several Syrian regime loyalists over the past week. These actions are complemented by significant military efforts within Syria, particularly with operations targeting the southern region of Latakia. On December 28, the Military Operations Department, alongside the Interior Ministry, initiated extensive combing operations to exorcise remnants of the regime's former power.
“The Military Operations Department launched a large-scale combing operation to rid the region of remnants linked to the Assad regime,” said local military sources.
The urgency surrounding these operations reflects the broader campaign underway to re-establish stability and eliminate any existing loyalist strongholds. Areas such as Qudsaya and Al-Hameh, along with neighborhoods splayed across the Damascus countryside, have seen increased military presence aimed at controlling illegal arms and preventing outbreaks of violence.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to simmer, particularly highlighted by clashes between local fighters and remnants of the Syrian regime in Deir ez-Zor, where Iranian-backed militias have entrenched themselves complicity within the security situation.
Interestingly, the situation continues to evolve with prominent figures from the Assad family. While many, including Rifaat Assad, have fled to Dubai, others remain under suspicion or facing legal fallout related to their past. Notably, reports indicate the wife of Duraid Assad and their daughter were apprehended for trying to leave the airport using expired passports and documents indicating foul play.
Despite these arrests, Lebanese officials claim they have not received any Interpol requests to indict or arrest members of the Assad family, including Rifle, which raises concerns about the operational scope of accountability for his actions during the bloody civil unrest.
“I would like to clarify the stance of Lebanon with respect to this issue, and I confirm we will work with Interpol,” stated Najib Mikati, the Caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon. His comments reflect Lebanon’s intention to assist international efforts aimed at addressing the accusations levied against Assad regime affiliates and provide transparency moving forward.
Executing meaningful strides, the interim government is focused on addressing the entry of top Assad advisor Bouthaina Shaaban, who was reported to have exited Lebanon shortly after arriving. This sequence of events poses significant challenges to the Lebanese authorities as they attempt to navigate the precarious situation left by Assad’s regime.
With complex ties between Syria and Lebanon, the ramifications of these events stretch beyond simple detentions. Historical rivalries, political allegiances, and the looming question of future stability paint the backdrop against which this drama continues to play out on the ground.
The fallout from the Assad family's attempts to maneuver through legislative and international scrutiny raises stark realities for the broader Syrian populace and hopes for justice. Each arrest and operation against former loyalists reverberates through the community, symbolizing both closure and the precarious balance of power.
The situation remains fluid, and as Lebanon collaborates with international bodies like Interpol, the world watches closely to see how these actions impact the wider regional stability and any remaining loyalties within Assad’s legacy.
