Ibrahim Huweija, once a top intelligence officer under the Assad regime, was arrested amid a security operation in Latakia. Accused of orchestrating numerous assassinations including that of Kamal Jumblatt, his arrest has prompted reactions from Lebanese citizens, especially supporters of the Progressive Socialist Party, as they prepare to mark Jumblatt’s assassination anniversary. Huweija’s career highlights the violent legacy of the Assad regime in Syria and Lebanon.
Ibrahim Huweija, a former top intelligence officer from Syria’s deposed Assad regime, was arrested on Thursday in Latakia amid violent clashes and a security crackdown. He faces severe allegations, including orchestrating multiple assassinations, notably that of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Jumblatt in 1977. The arrest has sparked mixed reactions among Lebanese, particularly among supporters of Jumblatt’s Progressive Socialist Party, as they prepare to commemorate the 48th anniversary of his death.
Born in Ain Shaqaq village in the Latakia governorate, Huweija began his military career in the 1970s. He was appointed Director of Air Force Intelligence in 1995 under Hafez al-Assad and became known for his ruthless approach to security. His close association with Rifaat al-Assad, who was involved in the infamous Hama massacre in 1982, further cemented his controversial status within the regime.
Huweija’s involvement in Syria’s oppressive security tactics included a historical role in Lebanon during Syria’s military intervention, which ended in 2005. His oversight of several political assassinations in Lebanon has drawn significant scrutiny, particularly around Jumblatt’s murder during the Lebanese Civil War.
On March 16, 1977, Huweija, as a captain, allegedly played a key role in the assassination of Jumblatt, who was shot in his vehicle in Baaqline. After his arrest, Walid Jumblatt, Kamal’s son and PSP leader, expressed his feelings of vindication.
In 2002, Huweija was dismissed by Bashar al-Assad, who succeeded Hafez in 2000, as part of an effort to diminish the influence of the older generation of regime loyalists. This shift was indicative of the changing dynamics of power within the Assad regime. Huweija’s legacy remains tied to the violent history of state-sponsored repression in Syria and its regional impact, particularly concerning Lebanon.
Ibrahim Huweija, a former Syrian intelligence officer notorious for alleged involvement in assassinations, was arrested recently in Latakia. This act has stirred significant public reaction, particularly in Lebanon, where his role in Kamal Jumblatt’s assassination remains a key point of contention. Huweija’s long-standing association with the Assad regime highlights the complexities of Syria’s political history and its influence on regional stability.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
