Understanding Ibrahim Huweija: Former Syrian Spy and Accused Assassin

Ibrahim Huweija, a former high-ranking Syrian intelligence officer, was arrested in Latakia amid clashes with Assad loyalists. He faces accusations of multiple assassinations, particularly of Lebanese leader Kamal Jumblatt in 1977. Known for his role in the Air Force Intelligence, Huweija’s history remains significant in the context of Syria’s political legacy and its impact on Lebanon.

Ibrahim Huweija, a former top intelligence officer from Syria, has been arrested in Latakia during clashes with Assad loyalists. He is notably accused of numerous assassinations, including the killing of Kamal Jumblatt, a prominent Lebanese Druze leader, in 1977. Huweija previously led the Air Force Intelligence, a key and violent agency under the Assad regime that ruled Syria for decades.

His arrest has shocked many in Lebanon, particularly supporters of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), who celebrate Jumblatt’s legacy. Huweija, born in Ain Shaqaq, began his military career in the 1970s, ascending to Director of Air Force Intelligence in 1995 under Hafez al-Assad. He had close ties with Rifaat al-Assad, who orchestrated the 1982 Hama massacre that resulted in significant casualties.

During Syria’s military dominance in Lebanon, Huweija was implicated in numerous security operations and the killings of dissidents. He was responsible for overseeing the assassination of Jumblatt during Lebanon’s civil war while serving as a captain. Following his dismissal by Bashar al-Assad in 2002, Huweija’s influence waned as the current president sought to diminish the power of the former regime’s old guards.

The political climate surrounding Huweija’s arrest reflects the ongoing tensions linked to the Assad regime’s historical actions in Lebanon and the long-standing grievances related to political assassinations. His history within the security apparatus illustrates the complex relationship between Syria and its neighbor, especially during the tumultuous periods of the late 20th century.

The arrest of Ibrahim Huweija marks a significant moment in the history of Syrian intelligence and its influence in Lebanon. Accused of orchestrating high-profile assassinations, including that of Kamal Jumblatt, Huweija’s actions exemplify the brutal agency of the Assad regime. His legacy continues to provoke strong emotions, particularly among the supporters of Jumblatt, as they reflect on the political past and its enduring implications for present-day relations in the region.

Original Source: www.newarab.com