Where are they now? Ex-Assad regime officials scattered worldwide

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKIYE — DEC. 25, 2025

Former high-ranking officials of the toppled Bashar al-Assad regime are reportedly living in hiding across various countries, including Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon.

According to an investigation by the New York Times, several key figures of the Baathist regime have sought refuge abroad to maintain their lifestyles or escape accountability. While some enjoy luxury in major capitals, others reside in more modest military housing, as international interest in their war-era crimes persists.

Assad's inner circle in Moscow

Several of Assad's closest advisors have resurfaced in Russia, often living under the protection of the Russian government. Ali Mamlouk, a top security advisor, reportedly lives in a Moscow apartment funded by Russia and rarely accepts visitors. Ghassan Bilal, a key figure in the regime's illicit drug trade, also resides in Moscow while continuing to fund his family's comfortable life stretching from Spain to Dubai.

Other figures spotted in the Russian capital include former Defense Minister Ali Abbas and former Chief of General Staff Abdul Karim Ibrahim, who were recently seen walking in a luxury shopping mall. Meanwhile, Jamil Hassan, the former head of Air Force Intelligence accused of systematic torture, is believed to be living in military housing under harsher conditions.

Refuge in the Gulf and Lebanon

The investigation also points to the UAE and Lebanon as primary destinations for fleeing officials. Mohammed el-Rahmoun, the 68-year-old former Interior Minister, is alleged to be residing in Gulf countries. Yasin Dahi, the former head of the notorious "Palestine Branch" known for systematic torture, is reportedly dealing with health and financial issues in Dubai.

Conversely, some officials chose to stay in Syria. Amr el-Armanazi, the former director of the regime's chemical weapons program, continues to live in Damascus and has refused to discuss his past, claiming his "conscience is clear".

Unanswered questions on immunity

Despite the high-profile nature of these individuals, both Russian and Syrian authorities have remained tight-lipped regarding their status. Russian officials did not respond to queries about the presence of regime leaders in their country. While the current Syrian Ministry of Information stated that no immunity has been granted to former leaders, they provided no further details regarding criminal investigations into war-era atrocities.

www.wisenewspress.com