US and Lebanese Authorities Protecting Wanted Syrian General, Investigation Reveals

A joint investigation by BBC News and US broadcaster NPR has revealed that Bassam al-Hassan, a former Syrian general wanted for crimes against humanity, is being harboured and financially supported in Lebanon under an arrangement involving Lebanese authorities and US intelligence, including the FBI.

Al-Hassan, a former senior adviser to deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad who oversaw the country's chemical weapons program, reportedly fled to Iran following the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024. A Syrian businessman with links to the former regime and Lebanese officials stated that negotiations between the US, Lebanon, and Iran subsequently facilitated al-Hassan's relocation to Lebanon.

Intelligence Deal and Financial Support

The protection deal, reportedly struck in the spring of 2025, grants al-Hassan residency, security, and living expenses in exchange for intelligence. Sources familiar with the arrangement indicated that al-Hassan receives funds from US authorities via an intermediary to obscure the transactions, despite being under US sanctions. In addition to his knowledge of Syria's chemical weapons and military ties with Iran, al-Hassan is being questioned regarding the 2012 abduction of American journalist Austin Tice. A previous BBC report established that al-Hassan was in the chain of command for the planned operation that led to Tice's capture.

Although al-Hassan told investigators last year that Tice was executed on Assad's orders and provided a location for his remains, a search of the site yielded no results. Sources noted that US authorities halted the excavation prematurely, potentially due to security risks. Insiders connected to the case expressed skepticism over the progress made through al-Hassan's cooperation, raising concerns that the costly arrangement could drag on indefinitely.

Reactions and Extradition Requests

Officials from two branches of Syria's new government confirmed they wish to extradite al-Hassan to stand trial for war crimes, but stated that US demands to keep him in Lebanon have left Damascus with little recourse. Asked for comment, the FBI declined to discuss the investigation directly, referring to a prior statement emphasizing its ongoing efforts to ascertain the facts surrounding Tice's disappearance and secure his return.

Phil Elwood, a spokesperson for the Tice family, condemned the arrangement, stating that utilizing taxpayer funds to provide a comfortable life for an individual linked to chemical weapons use and Tice's alleged execution is offensive and amounts to aiding the escape of a wanted war criminal.

Broader Support for Former Officials

The investigation highlighted that other former regime figures linked to the Tice case are also receiving payments or sanctuary abroad. One former official admitted to repeatedly receiving FBI payments, stating he intentionally prolongs the release of information to sustain the income. Other figures include Mohammad Makhlouf, who is believed to be in Lebanon, and al-Hassan's nephew, Sakr Rustom, who is reportedly traveling between Lebanon and the UAE.