Prominent Syrian Businessman Muhammad Baraa al-Qaterji Killed in Israeli Airstrike Near Lebanese Border

Jul 15, 2024, 05:03 PM

A prominent Syrian businessman, Muhammad Baraa al-Qaterji, was killed in an Israeli airstrike near the Syrian-Lebanese border on July 15, 2024. Al-Qaterji, who had close ties to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and was on the U.S. and UK sanctions lists, was reportedly targeted while traveling in a car on the Damascus-Al Saboura road. Three security sources confirmed to Reuters that Al-Qaterji controlled significant oil and gas resources in Syria and was known for his connections with the IRGC and Hezbollah. His death is seen as a significant blow to the Assad regime and its financial networks.