Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Lebanon detains Syrian fund funneler for pro-Assad fighters
Lebanon has arrested a Syrian man named Ahmad Dunya.
He was helping to send money to fighters who support the former Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad.
This money was coming from Rami Makhlouf, Assad's cousin, who lives in Moscow.
The fighters were supposed to cause trouble in Syria after the new government took over.
Dunya was managing the money and keeping records of payments.
Lebanese officials think there are more people like Dunya still operating in Lebanon.
The money involved is a lot, with at least $6 million spent on salaries and equipment for the fighters.
Lebanon has arrested Ahmad Dunya, a Syrian national, for funneling funds to pro-Assad fighters.
Dunya was managing financial records and handling money from Rami Makhlouf, Assad's cousin.
The funds were intended to destabilize Syria’s new ruling order after Assad was overthrown.
Makhlouf spent at least $6 million on salaries and equipment for prospective fighters.
Lebanese authorities believe there are dozens of other financial handlers like Dunya still operating in the country.
- Who
- Ahmad Dunya, a Syrian national, was detained by Lebanese authorities.
- What
- Dunya was involved in funneling funds to pro-Assad fighters as part of a plot to destabilize Syria’s new ruling order.
- When
- The arrest occurred earlier this week (as of January 16, 2025).
- Where
- The arrest took place in Lebanon.
- Why
- Dunya was helping finance fighters on behalf of former associates of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.
- Detained Individual
- Ahmad Dunya
- Associated Figures
- Rami Makhlouf, Bashar al-Assad
- Funds Involved
- $6 million
- Location of Arrest
- Lebanon
- Date of Arrest
- Earlier this week (as of January 16, 2025)