Lebanon Denies Reports of Ali Mamlouk's Escape Through Its Territory

Lebanon Denies Reports of Ali Mamlouk's Escape Through Its Territory
December 19, 2024, 3:28 pm

علي مملوك يجتمع مع العشائر العربية في قامشلي

Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi denied reports circulated by media regarding the use of Lebanese territory by Ali Mamlouk, one of the prominent figures of the ousted Assad regime, as an escape route.

Mawlawi confirmed in a statement to the National News Agency of Lebanon that "Ali Mamlouk is not in Lebanon and has never entered it," emphasizing that if Mamlouk were to enter the country, he would be arrested immediately. He added that Mamlouk's photographs have been circulated at all entry points, including Rafik Hariri International Airport, to detect any attempt he might make to cross with forged documents.

In an interview with MTV, Mawlawi mentioned that "Mahr Assad's wife and son entered and departed Lebanon via the airport," explaining that "any unrequested individual can enter Lebanon legally and may be allowed to leave."

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had indicated that Mamlouk had entered Lebanese territory, but it remains unclear whether he still enjoys Hezbollah's protection or if he has left the country for another location.

It is worth noting that Major General Ali Mamlouk, who served as the head of Syrian General Intelligence and later became the head of the Syrian National Security Office since 2012, is considered one of Bashar al-Assad's close allies. Earlier this year, an in absentia judgment was issued against him and two senior officials in the Syrian regime, sentencing them to life in prison in France for complicity in committing crimes against humanity.

Mamlouk is listed among the European sanctions imposed on key figures of the Syrian regime and their aides. He has also been accused since 2013 of attempting to assassinate politicians, religious leaders, MPs, and citizens, as well as possession of explosives for the purpose of murder and carrying out terrorist acts in Lebanon.

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