BREAKING: Bashar al-Assad's uncle Rifaat al-Assad flees Beirut for Dubai

French news agency FRANCE 24 reported Friday that Rifaat al-Assad, uncle of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has left Beirut for Dubai, according to two Lebanese security officials. The 86-year-old former Syrian vice president is notorious for his role in the 1982 Hama massacre and faces serious accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The officials confirmed that other Assad family members have also departed Lebanon for Dubai, while some remain in the country. Interpol requests to detain Rifaat or his family members went unanswered. Reports suggest they may either settle in Dubai or continue to another location.

Rifaat al-Assad, a key figure in Syria's political history, was second-in-command during his brother Hafez al-Assad's presidency. He is widely held responsible for the 1982 Hama massacre, where estimates of casualties range from 10,000 to 40,000 people. Following a power struggle with his brother, he went into exile, living in Switzerland, Spain, and France, where he was later convicted of financial crimes.

The Assad family faces mounting international legal pressure. Lebanese authorities continue to monitor unauthorized entries by Syrian officials into their territory, while expressing willingness to cooperate with Interpol regarding further arrests of former Syrian regime officials.

Channel 14 contributed to this article.