Maher al-Assad: The Captagon Emperor of Syria
Maher al-Assad, the younger brother of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Syria's ongoing conflict, often referred to as the 'Captagon Emperor' due to his significant involvement in the illicit drug trade. With a military background and a reputation for brutality, Maher has played a crucial role in suppressing dissent and maintaining the Assad regime's grip on power. His control over the Captagon drug trade has reportedly generated annual profits of around $50 billion, further consolidating his influence within the regime.
Rise to Power and Military Influence
Born on December 8, 1967, Maher al-Assad was initially overshadowed by his brother Bashar, who was chosen as the successor to their father, Hafez al-Assad. However, Maher quickly established himself within the military, ascending to the rank of commander of the Republican Guard and later the Fourth Armored Division. His forces have been implicated in numerous human rights violations during the Syrian revolution, employing lethal tactics against protesters and contributing to the regime's violent response to dissent.
Captagon Trade and Recent Developments
The Captagon trade, which Maher has been heavily involved in, began as a medical treatment but has since become a major source of revenue for the Assad family. Investigations have revealed that Maher, along with his brother Bashar and cousin Mudar, oversees the production and distribution of Captagon, utilizing smuggling routes from Syria to various countries. Recent reports indicate that Maher has fled to Iraq, reportedly under the protection of Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers, as the regime faces increasing challenges from opposition forces.
