As the Syrian dictatorship teetered on the brink, some of Bashar al-Assad's closest confidantes reportedly fled over the border to Lebanon.
)Lebanese media has reported senior officials from the ousted Syrian regime fled to Lebanon just before the government was overthrown.Lebanese politicians have warned the country should not be a safe haven for members of the Assad regime.Share articleThe newcomers, albeit temporary ones, are holed up in some of the city's plush hotels.
The reports prompted a swift response from Lebanon's caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati, who said his government abides by Lebanese and international law. Ali Mamlouk is a former intelligence chief, who has previously been at the centre of protests in Beirut.Mamlouk is also accused of having a key role in the development of Syria's chemical weapons program.
Despite its weakened position in Lebanon, it has had the resources to ensure safe passage and accommodation.As the news trickled through, it became clear that many were unhappy with the potential guests being in Beirut.
Regime Lebanon Beirut Hezbollah
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Syria live: Assad granted asylum in Russia as Syrian refugees celebrate in EuropeThere have been large celebrations in major European cities after Syrian rebels ousted the country's longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Read more »
Syria live: Assad in Russia as Syrian refugees celebrate in EuropeThere have been large celebrations in major European cities after Syrian rebels ousted the country's longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Read more »
Syrian rebels sweep into Aleppo, Russia conducts strikes in support of AssadThe Syrian army says dozens of its soldiers have been killed in a major attack led by Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels who swept into the city of Aleppo.
Read more »
Syrian rebels sweep into Aleppo, Russia conducts strikes in support of AssadThe Syrian army says dozens of its soldiers have been killed in a major attack led by Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels who swept into the city of Aleppo.
Read more »
Syrian rebels sweep into Aleppo, Russia conducts strikes in support of AssadThe Syrian army says dozens of its soldiers have been killed in a major attack led by Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels who swept into the city of Aleppo.
Read more »
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad vows to 'crush' rebels after government loses control of AleppoA government counterinsurgency recaptures several towns that had been overrun in recent days by rebels, the army says, as Russian strikes kill at least 19 people.
Read more »