The embassy of Syria in Lebanon has temporarily suspended its services following the arrest of a relative of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The embassy took to social media to announce its decision, explaining that the suspension of services was due to "exceptional circumstances". This action came in response to the arrest of Rami Makhlouf, a cousin of President Assad, by Lebanese authorities.
Makhlouf, a prominent Syrian businessman and one of the country's wealthiest individuals, has been in the limelight due to his close ties with the Assad regime. He has been under scrutiny for allegations of corruption and has faced sanctions from both the United States and the European Union. The Syrian tycoon was arrested in Lebanon on charges of money laundering and illicit enrichment, which are part of a wider regional crackdown on money laundering operations tied to political figures.
The arrest of Makhlouf has been viewed as a significant development given his close ties to the Assad regime and his influential role in Syria's economy. The abrupt suspension of services by the Syrian embassy in Lebanon underscores the tensions between the two countries and the potential implications of Makhlouf's arrest on their relationship.
There are speculations that Makhlouf's arrest could be part of a larger political maneuver, given the strained relations between Syria, Lebanon, and other regional powers. However, the true impact of this event remains to be seen as investigations continue and the political landscape continues to evolve.
The Syrian embassy in Lebanon, for its part, has not provided any specific timeline for the resumption of its services. It has urged Syrian citizens in Lebanon to follow its official announcements and updates regarding the situation, ensuring them that the embassy is taking all necessary steps to resume its operations as soon as possible.