Waseem al-Assad, the cousin of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has long symbolised the unchecked power of the ruling family, wealth, weapons, and impunity. For years, he was surrounded by a cloud of allegations: cross-border drug trafficking, leading militias that looted and oppressed civilians, and flaunting obscene wealth in a war-ravaged country. His name was closely associated with the illicit Captagon trade and with murky ties to some of the region’s most dangerous smuggling networks. For over a decade, Waseem appeared untouchable, operating above the law. That all changed on Saturday, June 22, when he was captured in a carefully planned ambush by Syrian security forces in the Talkalakh region, near the Lebanese border.
The operation, conducted in the Talkalakh area of the Homs countryside in central Syria, was described as “qualitative” by Syrian authorities. According to official statements, the arrest of Waseem al-Assad marked a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking and corruption networks that flourished under the former regime.
The Syrian General Intelligence Service, in cooperation with the Internal Security Forces and specialised Interior Ministry units, executed the operation with meticulous secrecy. After collecting detailed intelligence on Waseem’s movements, they lured him into the ambush without raising suspicion. He was arrested without notable resistance.
The arrest comes as part of a broader campaign to pursue key figures from the former regime, particularly those involved in narcotics trafficking and organised crime. The stated goal: to reestablish state authority in areas where Waseem and his networks once held sway.
Who is Waseem al-Assad?
Waseem al-Assad is the cousin of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and one of the most prominent family members to emerge as a powerful and highly controversial figure during the Syrian civil war. He exploited his family ties to engage in illegal activities and build criminal networks.
After the “Deterrence of Aggression” operation that led to the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, Waseem announced, on December 1 via his personal Facebook page, the formation of “special support and protection groups” in Latakia and its countryside. These groups were intended to back the military and frontline forces.
Though never holding an official political position, Waseem played a key role in propping up the regime. He was heavily involved in the suppression of dissent and used the chaotic wartime environment for personal gain.
He frequently showcased his opulent lifestyle on social media, posting images and videos of luxury cars worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. His displays of extravagance were seen as a provocation to ordinary Syrians suffering amid the conflict. He defended his right to enjoy such wealth, drawing further public ire.
On multiple occasions, Waseem publicly boasted about his use of violence against opponents. These declarations were intended to intimidate dissenters and affirm his loyalty to the Assad regime.
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Explicit Accusations
Waseem al-Assad is accused of involvement in drug smuggling operations, particularly in the Captagon trade. He allegedly used front companies such as Assad of the Coast, a firm officially registered for import, export, and customs clearance, as a cover for illicit activities.
His name has been linked to notorious Lebanese drug dealer Noah Zuaiter, and he reportedly coordinated with the Fourth Division led by Maher al-Assad to secure and protect smuggling routes.
This collaboration granted him military and security protection, effectively shielding him from prosecution and integrating his criminal enterprises into the broader economic structure of the regime, especially as Syria faced growing international sanctions.
He also led a paramilitary group accused of suppressing opposition and looting property left behind by those displaced or arrested. Further reports suggest he was involved in money laundering operations in coordination with influential regime figures.
Waseem is believed to have managed his operations from coastal regions such as Jableh and Tartous. He maintained a strong network of ties with local authorities and security officials, which helped him evade capture for years.
In 2023, the United States and European Union added Waseem al-Assad to their sanctions lists due to his role in leading a paramilitary force and his involvement in narcotics trafficking, particularly Captagon.
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Interior Ministry Statement
The Ministry of Interior described Waseem al-Assad’s arrest as “successful and precise,” and released an image of him in custody. It emphasised that the campaign to pursue all wanted individuals, without exception, would continue as part of the broader effort to combat organised crime.
While the Ministry did not disclose specific details about the operation, such as how he was lured or who exactly carried it out, multiple sources confirmed that the arrest took place without confrontation or resistance.
Since December, Syria’s new authorities have launched widespread security sweeps across the country, targeting what they call “remnants” of the former regime involved in crimes against civilians during the 14-year conflict.
In parallel, the Supreme Committee for Civil Peace and Justice has been working to gather evidence against arrested officers, soldiers, and civilian collaborators. The committee has also facilitated the release of thousands of detainees who were found to have no formal charges against them.
