For the first time since the fall of the Assad regime, Lebanon has handed over a former general to Syria — Reuters
Lebanon has extradited Major General Adel Issa, who was a high-ranking army officer during Bashar al-Assad’s regime, to Syria. This is the first handover of a former regime official since the regime’s fall in 2024.
Issa previously commanded the Syrian Army’s 17th Division and later the ground forces in the province of Deir ez-Zor. Lebanese security forces detained him in early August and subsequently handed him over to Syrian authorities.
The Syrian Ministry of the Interior stated that the general was wanted on an arrest warrant. The charges include intentional homicide, aiding and abetting serious crimes, the murder of more than two people, torture resulting in death, as well as actions aimed at inciting civil war and sectarian strife.
Issa’s case has already been referred to a judge in Damascus, after which it may be sent to a criminal court. According to Reuters sources, while in custody in Lebanon, the 67-year-old Issa denied all charges.
He was detained on August 8 after arriving at the Syrian embassy in Beirut to process some paperwork. Embassy staff informed the Lebanese prosecutor’s office that Issa was wanted in Syria.
It should be noted that the general’s extradition could set a precedent for other former officers of the Syrian security forces who fled to Lebanon after rebels led by current President Ahmed al--Sharaa overthrew Assad in December 2024.
According to Reuters, the Syrian authorities handed over to Lebanon as early as January a list of more than 200 former high-ranking officers whom Damascus wants to bring to justice. Prior to that, a Syrian security official visited Beirut to discuss their whereabouts, legal status, and possible extradition.
Source: Reuters.
See also: The Fall of Bashar al-Assad’s Regime in Syria: Causes, Consequences, and Lessons for Dictators.
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