Syrian general accused of atrocities is protected by U.S. and Lebanon, NPR and BBC find

Oct 8, 2026 · Sara Obeidat

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

Syrian general accused of atrocities is protected by U.S. and Lebanon, NPR and BBC find

Bassam al-Hassan was a former Syrian general and a senior advisor to former President Bashar al-Assad. He is living in Lebanon, bankrolled and protected by American and Lebanese authorities.

A former Syrian general wanted for crimes against humanity is living quietly in Lebanon, bankrolled and protected by American and Lebanese authorities, a BBC/NPR investigation has found.

(Image credit: BBC)