Former Syrian Vice President Abdul-Halim Khaddam believes that the assassination of President Bashar al-Assad’s advisor, Brigadier General Mohammed Suleiman, can be attributed to his significant responsibilities. He confirmed the existence of internal conflicts within the Syrian regime, stating that the regime has engaged in assassination operations since the 1970s, which is an exceptional and abnormal phenomenon in Syrian political life. Khaddam emphasized that if assassination, killing, and intimidation constitute strength for the regime, then it is the death of the regime.
Khaddam, in an interview with Al-Mustaqbal News, asserted that Suleiman was responsible for all military operations, transfers, dismissals, promotions, and arming, and all these matters went through his office. This, undoubtedly, could be one of the reasons for his assassination. Another possible reason could be his formation of a military bloc or having political ambitions. The reason for his assassination may also be related to his position and relationships within the armed forces, which created sensitivity against him from some elements within the regime. However, Khaddam did not confirm or deny this possibility. In any case, he considered this assassination a political one, and it is difficult to make a wrong judgment about the reasons. He believes that the ongoing investigation will not reach a conclusion, and even if it does, it will not release information, as was the case with the assassination of Imad Mughniyeh. He added that the regime adopts a culture of eliminating opponents based on the principle that someone we don’t like is allowed to be killed, citing instances in Syria and Lebanon.
