Ibrahim Huweija, a former Syrian intelligence chief, was arrested for his alleged role in assassinations during his tenure, notably the murder of Lebanese leader Kamal Jumblatt. His recent capture, following violent regional confrontations, has sparked reactions from political circles in Lebanon, especially around the anniversary of Jumblatt’s assassination. Huweija had significant influence under the Assad regime, participating in key military operations until his dismissal in 2002.
Ibrahim Huweija is a former high-ranking intelligence officer from Syria, infamous for his alleged involvement in numerous assassinations, including that of prominent Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Jumblatt in 1977. His recent arrest occurred in Latakia during violent clashes with Assad loyalists amidst ongoing security operations against them. Huweija had served as head of the Syrian Air Force Intelligence, a brutal arm of the Assad regime that maintained strict control over the country.
Born in Ain Shaqaq, Latakia, Huweija’s military career began in the 1970s, rapidly rising to become the Director of Air Force Intelligence in 1995 under Hafez al-Assad. Known to be close to Rifaat al-Assad, Huweija reportedly participated in the regime’s severe repression of dissidents, notably following the Hama massacre of 1982, which resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. His role in Syria’s military operations extended beyond domestic issues into Lebanon during Syria’s significant influence there, which lasted until 2005.
Huweija is specifically blamed for overseeing the assassination of Kamal Jumblatt amidst Lebanon’s civil conflict, which intensified his notoriety. On March 16, 1977, Jumblatt was shot dead in his vehicle in Baaqline, a killing attributed to Syrian intelligence operations. Following the news of Huweija’s arrest, Walid Jumblatt, son of the slain leader, expressed relief, signifying long-held suspicions about the Assad regime’s role in his father’s death.
In 2002, Bashar al-Assad removed Huweija from his position, a strategic move perceived as an effort to diminish the power held by former officials from his father’s era. Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father in 2000, further leading significant shifts within Syrian leadership roles. Huweija’s arrest comes at a time when many Lebanese reflect on the historical impact of the atrocities committed during the Assad regime’s control over the region, particularly as the anniversary of Jumblatt’s assassination approaches.
Ibrahim Huweija, a former Syrian intelligence officer, has been arrested, stirring significant reactions in Lebanon regarding his alleged involvement in high-profile assassinations, particularly that of Kamal Jumblatt. His long history with the Syrian regime, especially in the brutal Air Force Intelligence, underscores the stark and violent legacy of the Assad regime. As Lebanon prepares to commemorate Jumblatt’s assassination, Huweija’s arrest revitalizes discussions about justice and accountability for historic political violence in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
