Assassination of Syrian Coalition Representative in France and Defected Syrian Ambassador in Daraa
Syrian media reported on Wednesday the assassination of Nour al-Din al-Labbad, a defected Syrian ambassador, and his brother. According to Syria TV, unidentified gunmen carried out the attack by opening fire on al-Labbad’s home in the city of al-Sanamayn, located in the Daraa countryside in southern Syria. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Background of Nour al-Din al-Labbad
Nour al-Din al-Labbad previously served as a Minister Plenipotentiary in the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Throughout his career, he worked in Syrian embassies across several countries, including Yemen, France, Iraq, Turkey, and Libya. Al-Labbad defected from the regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2013 and later became a representative of the Syrian opposition coalition in France.
Educational and Professional Achievements
According to Syrian sources, al-Labbad held a PhD in French literature, a higher diploma in translation, and a master’s degree in international relations. Born in 1962, he had recently returned to his hometown of al-Sanamayn after spending time in France.
Context and Implications
The assassination of Nour al-Din al-Labbad marks a significant event amid ongoing tensions in Syria, particularly in the Daraa region, which has seen unrest since the early days of the Syrian conflict. His role as a coalition representative and his defection from the Assad regime made him a notable figure in Syrian opposition circles. The motives behind the attack remain unclear, as the perpetrators have not been identified.
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