An investigation by the BBC and the American network NPR revealed that a former Syrian general wanted for crimes against humanity is in Lebanon with the financial support and protection of the Lebanese and American authorities.

An investigation by the BBC and the American network NPR revealed that a former Syrian general wanted for crimes against humanity is in Lebanon with the financial support and protection of the Lebanese and American authorities.

Bassam Hassan, who oversaw Syria's chemical weapons program and was a senior adviser to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, found refuge in Lebanon after the fall of the Assad regime in 2024.

From this investigation it appears that he was allowed to stay in Lebanon; This was done as part of an agreement between the FBI and other American and Lebanese authorities.

According to sources who spoke to the BBC, the reason for this action was the willingness of this former general to provide information about the kidnapping of Austin Tice, an American journalist, in Syria in 2012, as well as to provide more classified information.