Leaked document shows Italy-Syria intelligence communication
Syrians look for metal pieces and unexploded ammunition at the site of the previous evening's Israeli airstrike that targeted shipments of weapons that belonged to Syrian government forces in Qamishli, in mainly Kurdish northeastern Syria, on December 10, 2024. (AFP Photo)
In a significant diplomatic development, a cable dated December 5 reveals direct communication between Italian intelligence leadership and Syria’s sanctioned security apparatus, marking an unusual engagement with Damascus despite ongoing Western restrictions.
According to documents shared by Independent Arabia, General Giovanni Cavarelli, head of Italy’s Intelligence Service, initiated contact with General Hussam Luqa, who leads Syria’s General Security Branch. The communication occurred just four days after a Russian airstrike targeted a Christian school in Aleppo.
The cable suggests Italy may be seeking to maintain channels of communication with Syrian officials, even as the Assad government remains under US and EU sanctions. The timing of the contact, coming shortly after the Aleppo school incident, adds particular significance to the interaction.
The document indicates that Cavarelli emphasized his country’s support for Syria during what was described as “this difficult moment,” with specific attention paid to the importance of Russian backing for the Assad government.
