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Commander of the 76th Division Meets with Drug Trafficker Accused of Ties to the Previous Regime
The visit of Saif Abu Bakr, commander of the 76th division of the Syrian Arab Army, to Farhan al-Marsoumi, a tribal chief of the Marasmeh tribe, has sparked widespread controversy and public outrage in Syria. This anger comes in light of allegations against al-Marsoumi regarding his connections to the Assad regime and his involvement in drug trafficking, as well as being one of the Iranian arms in the country.
Farhan al-Marsoumi has received notable support from Iraqi Popular Mobilization leaders and Iraqi militias, regularly traveling to Iraq to oversee the provision of needs for Shia pilgrims in the Sayyida Zainab area in the suburbs of Damascus. This support has contributed to granting him extensive authority and influence at the "Al-Qaim" border crossing with Iraq, in addition to the illegal "Iranian Railways" crossing.
Syrian activists expressed their dissatisfaction and anger over Saif Abu Bakr's presence with al-Marsoumi, considering this visit as a sign of continued association with dubious figures known for their history of exploitation and violations. The meeting was described as ignoring the daily suffering of Syrians and reflecting the insensitivity of officials to popular sentiments.
Critics argued that Saif Abu Bakr's appearance with Farhan al-Marsoumi bolsters the influence of individuals linked to the previous Assad regime, leading the Syrian street to question the credibility of the Syrian Arab Army's role in protecting the people. Some observers pointed out that this appearance raises suspicions regarding the military's involvement in illegal activities.
The public outrage over Saif Abu Bakr's presence with Farhan al-Marsoumi remains a sign of ongoing tensions within Syrian society. This incident highlights the difficulties the government faces in regaining the trust of its citizens and emphasizes the importance of paying attention to social and political relationships under the current circumstances.
