Lebanese authorities arrested Rasha Khazem and her daughter at Beirut airport for attempting to use forged passports to flee to Egypt. Their arrest followed the departure of her husband, Duraid Assad, the son of ex-Vice President Rifaat Assad, who has been indicted for war crimes. The situation reflects the unfolding chaos in Syria and increased scrutiny of Assad affiliates in Lebanon.
On Friday, the Lebanese authorities apprehended Rasha Khazem, the wife of Duraid Assad, and their daughter, Shams, at Beirut airport. The duo was attempting to travel to Egypt using allegedly forged passports. Their apprehension occurred just one day after Duraid’s father, Rifaat Assad, the uncle of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, managed to leave Lebanon using his legitimate passport. The detainees were reportedly smuggled into Lebanon and were detained by the Lebanese General Security forces.
Rifaat Assad, who previously served as the Syrian Vice President, has recently been indicted in Switzerland for war crimes and crimes against humanity dating back over four decades. He commanded the artillery unit notorious for the devastating assault on Hama, where thousands lost their lives, earning him the grim moniker of the “Butcher of Hama.” Meanwhile, Lebanon has seen an influx of Syrian nationals entering illegally amid escalating unrest in Syria, following recent insurgent advances into Damascus.
Increasing security concerns have led to arrests of over 20 members previously affiliated with Assad’s military factions. Additionally, Interpol has issued a notice for the arrest of Jamil al-Hassan, the former head of Syrian intelligence, which the Lebanese government has expressed willingness to honor. These developments highlight the unfolding crisis and the enduring ramifications of the Assad regime.
The article centers on the recent arrests of relatives of Rifaat Assad, a prominent figure in the Syrian regime, as they attempted to flee from Lebanon. This incident unfolds against a backdrop of increased tensions in Syria, particularly after the fall of Assad’s governmental control in several regions, causing a surge in illegal crossings into Lebanon. The parliamentary actions against Rifaat Assad for war crimes further underscore the ongoing legal and moral accountability related to past atrocities. The backdrop emphasizes the deep-rooted issues stemming from the Syrian conflict and the potential implications for former regime officials.
The detention of Rasha Khazem and her daughter signals Lebanon’s heightened law enforcement actions against figures associated with the previous Syrian regime as instability in Syria continues to precipitate cross-border movements. The broader implications of these arrests, along with Rifaat Assad’s pending war crimes charges, highlight the enduring legacy of conflict and accountability for past actions. The cooperation between Lebanon and international law enforcement underscores a commitment to justice amid ongoing regional tensions.
Original Source: apnews.com
