Lebanese Army Arrests Bashar al-Assad's Relative

Lebanon’s army arrested a relative of ousted Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad alongside the son of a notorious Lebanese drug lord during a security raid in the eastern Bekaa region.

A security source confirmed that military personnel detained Suleiman Hilal al-Assad—the son of the former Syrian president’s cousin—and Ali Zaiter while they were using drugs.

Lebanese authorities transferred all three detainees to the defence ministry for questioning, confirming that the Syrian detainee is a civilian rather than a military official.

Lebanese army arrests Bashar al-Assad's relative (News Central TV) — The Lebanese army arrests Bashar al-Assad’s relative. Credit: Reuters

The high-profile arrests come as Lebanon and Syria continue to reshape their bilateral relationship following the collapse of the Assad regime and the weakening of its regional allies.

Lebanese security forces have intensified operations against fugitives and figures linked to the former Syrian administration in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, authorities detained a former Syrian intelligence officer plotting attacks against Syria’s new government, following the recent extradition of a former Assad-era general accused of torture and murder.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.