Lebanese army arrests relative of ousted Syrian president on arms and drugs charges

The short version

• Lebanese authorities arrested Suleiman Assad, a relative of ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad, and Ali Zeiter near Baalbek.[ABC News]
• The suspects were detained on allegations of carrying weapons and hashish, according to officials and the Lebanese army.[ABC News]
• The operation involved three individuals, including an undocumented Syrian national whose initials match Assad.[ABC News]
• Multiple Syrian officials and relatives have sought refuge in Lebanon since the Assad regime collapsed in December 2024.[ABC News]

Key facts

• Lebanese authorities detained Suleiman Assad and Ali Zeiter near the northeastern city of Baalbek on allegations of possessing weapons and drugs.[ABC News]
• The Lebanese army confirmed detaining three individuals carrying firearms and hashish, including an undocumented Syrian national.[ABC News]
• Suleiman Assad is a relative of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, whose regime collapsed in December 2024 following an Islamist rebel takeover.[ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Lebanese army detains Bashar Assad's relative on weapons and drugs chargesABC News - International