A joint investigation by BBC News and NPR has revealed that Bassam al-Hassan, a former Syrian general wanted for crimes against humanity, is being protected and financially supported by United States and Lebanese authorities. Hassan, who previously oversaw Syria’s chemical weapons programme and served as a senior adviser to former President Bashar al-Assad, is reportedly being harboured in Lebanon following the collapse of the Assad regime in 2024.
According to the investigation, the arrangement involves the FBI, the CIA, and Lebanese security agencies. Hassan is reportedly cooperating by providing intelligence, primarily regarding the 2012 abduction of American journalist Austin Tice. A review of a meeting record between Hassan, US officials, and Lebanese authorities showed that Hassan was offered residency, protection, and assistance with his living expenses in exchange for information. Sources stated that the sanctioned former general receives US funds via an intermediary to make the transactions difficult to trace.
Officials from two separate branches of Syria's new government stated they want Hassan returned to stand trial but claim Damascus can do little because US authorities want him to remain in Lebanon. Phil Elwood, a spokesperson for the Tice family, condemned the arrangement, stating that using taxpayer funds to support someone linked to chemical weapons who claims to have had Tice executed is offensive and amounts to aiding and abetting the escape of a wanted war criminal.
The deal, believed to have been established in the spring of 2025, has faced criticism from individuals connected to the Tice investigation who see little evidence of significant progress. Although Hassan told US investigators last year that Tice was executed under orders from Assad, sources have questioned the validity of his claims. A search conducted at a location Hassan provided for Tice's remains turned up nothing, though sources familiar with the operation noted that US authorities stopped digging before the search was completed, potentially due to security concerns.
The investigation also highlighted that other former Syrian officials connected to Tice's case have found refuge abroad. These include Mohammad Makhlouf, who is believed to be residing in Lebanon, and Hassan's nephew, Sakr Rustom, who is reportedly moving between Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. Another former general, Ghassan Nassour, who reportedly oversaw the prison where Tice was held, is believed to be living in the UAE.
Source: BBC News
