US and Lebanon sheltering wanted Syrian general, NPR and BBC investigation finds

A former Syrian general wanted for crimes against humanity is being bankrolled and protected by US and Lebanese authorities in Beirut, an NPR/BBC investigation published on 8 October has found (WAMC/NPR).

Bassam al-Hassan, who oversaw Syria’s chemical weapons programme and advised Bashar al-Assad, fled Syria after the regime’s December 2024 collapse, escaping to Iran before negotiations brought him to Lebanon. The investigation finds he may remain there under an arrangement involving the FBI and other US and Lebanese authorities, at least partly in return for information on the 2012 abduction of journalist Austin Tice and additional intelligence. Hassan is under US Treasury sanctions.

Two branches of Syria’s new government told the investigators they want Hassan returned to face trial, but US authorities want him kept in Beirut (Saudi Gazette). Reached by phone last year, Hassan told the BBC to seek permission for him to speak from “the FBI and CIA officials at the [U.S.] embassy”. The CIA and Lebanese security did not respond; the FBI declined to comment (The Star).

Tice family spokesperson Phil Elwood said: “If what you are saying is true, the fact that our tax dollars are being used to furnish a comfortable life for someone associated with the use of chemical weapons on Syrian civilians, who claims to have had Austin Tice executed, is offensive. This is nothing less than aiding and abetting the escape of a wanted war criminal. The Syrians deserve justice, and he should be returned to stand trial.”

Last month NPR and the BBC reported Tice’s abduction was a planned operation, with Hassan in the chain of command.