Arrest of Key Suspect in 1977 Murder of Lebanese Politician Kamal Jumblatt

Syrian security forces have arrested Ibrahim Huweija, a former head of air force intelligence, suspected of multiple murders, including the 1977 assassination of Lebanese politician Kamal Jumblatt. The apprehension took place during clashes in Latakia, reflecting ongoing unrest since Bashar al-Assad’s fall. Walid Jumblatt, Kamal’s son, remarked positively on this development via social media.

In Damascus, Syria, Syrian security forces have apprehended Ibrahim Huweija, a former intelligence officer linked to multiple killings, including the assassination of Lebanese politician Kamal Jumblatt in 1977. The arrest, which was reported by the state news agency SANA, transpired during violent confrontations with supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad in Latakia, marking significant unrest since his removal in December.

SANA revealed that Huweija, who led the Air Force Intelligence from 1987 to 2002 under both Bashar and his father Hafez al-Assad, was captured following meticulous surveillance. Huweija, largely reclusive, is noted for his involvement in numerous political assassinations during the Hafez regime, including that of Jumblatt, a prominent figure in the Druze community and the founder of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party.

Kamal Jumblatt opposed Syrian military intervention in Lebanon during the civil war and was murdered near a Syrian border post on March 16, 1977. His son, Walid Jumblatt, publicly commented on Huweija’s arrest via social media, expressing, “Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest).” This development brings renewed attention to the historical legacies of Syria’s intelligence operations during a tumultuous period.

The recent arrest of Ibrahim Huweija highlights ongoing tensions within Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. It underscores the historical context of political violence in the region, especially concerning significant figures like Kamal Jumblatt, whose assassination remains a pivotal moment in Lebanese history. As the situation evolves, this arrest may have broader implications for accountability and justice within Syria and Lebanon.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com