BBC reports US, Lebanon shelter wanted Syrian general

A BBC-NPR investigation found Bassam al-Hassan, who oversaw Syria's chemical weapons program and advised Bashar al-Assad, is sheltered in Lebanon with residency, protection and living support under an arrangement involving U.S. and Lebanese authorities. Hassan is under U.S. Treasury sanctions. After Assad's collapse in early December 2024 he fled to Iran then moved to Lebanon. The outlets reviewed a meeting record with FBI, CIA and Lebanese officials on the Austin Tice case; sources said he is paid through an intermediary. The deal is believed struck in spring 2025, tied to his information on Tice, kidnapped in Damascus in August 2012. Hassan told investigators Tice was executed on Assad's orders; others in the probe have questioned that account. A site he named was searched and nothing found; two sources said U.S. authorities stopped the dig early, possibly for security. Syria's new government wants him returned for trial and says U.S. authorities want him kept in Beirut. The FBI declined to address the findings, citing its focus on Tice. Phil Elwood of the Tice family said if true the arrangement is offensive and aids a wanted war criminal's escape. Debra Tice went to Lebanon in May 2025 seeking to meet him. Only left-rated coverage (NPR) appears in the record; none center or right.