Syrian businessman with ties to Assad killed in suspected Israeli airstrike
If confirmed, the strike would be a bold step for Israel's clandestine operations in Syria, taking out an Assad regime insider from a family that has long brokered oil shipments, arms deals and illicit financing across the civil war's front lines.
A prominent businessman with close ties to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was killed in a suspected Israeli airstrike west of Damascus on Monday.
Baraa al-Qaterji was killed when the car in which he was traveling was struck near Saboura along the Damascus-Beirut highway, according to local reports. Reuters cited three security sources as confirming Qaterji's death.
Why it matters: The Qaterjis emerged as key players in the Assad regime's business dealings during Syria's war, playing particularly prominent roles in managing oil and gas trade across the country's front lines.
The cross-border oil deals helped facilitate financial ties between rival sides in Syria's now more than 12-year-long conflict.
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