Syrian General Accused of War Crimes Shielded by U.S. and Lebanon, Investigation Finds

A former Syrian military general wanted internationally for crimes against humanity has been living quietly in Lebanon while receiving financial support and protection from American and Lebanese officials, according to a joint investigation by NPR and the BBC.

Bassam al-Hassan, who served as a senior advisor to former President Bashar al-Assad and oversaw Syria’s chemical weapons program, fled to Beirut following the collapse of the Assad regime in 2024. The report indicates that U.S. and Lebanese authorities have allowed him to remain in the country as part of an arrangement involving the FBI and other intelligence agencies.

Four sources familiar with the deal, who requested anonymity due to threats against their safety and livelihoods, stated that the arrangement is largely driven by al-Hassan’s willingness to provide information regarding the 2012 abduction of American journalist Austin Tice in Syria. This finding is featured in a new episode of NPR’s Embedded and a BBC series titled Where is Austin Tice?.

Documentary evidence reviewed by the BBC includes detailed records of a meeting between al-Hassan, representatives from the FBI and CIA, and Lebanese security officials. During these discussions, al-Hassan was offered residency, protection, and assistance with his living expenses.

Insiders described how al-Hassan receives funds through an intermediary to obscure the money trail. Officials from two branches of Syria’s new government told reporters they desire al-Hassan’s return to face trial, but noted that U.S. authorities insist he remain in Beirut, leaving Damascus with limited recourse.

When BBC reporters attempted to interview al-Hassan last year, he referred them to FBI and CIA officials at the U.S. embassy for permission to speak. The CIA and Lebanon’s General Directorate of General Security did not respond to requests for comment, while the FBI declined to comment, citing a past statement that its focus remains on establishing the facts surrounding the Tice case.

Phil Elwood, spokesperson for the Tice family, condemned the findings. “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,” Elwood said. “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.”