Israeli spy Eli Cohen may have been buried near Damascus barracks, Syrian official claims

Syrian security officer Saeed Jawish claimed in an interview that legendary Israeli spy Eli Cohen may have been buried near unidentified military barracks outside Damascus. Jawish, who claims involvement in Cohen's arrest, said officers debated the burial location the night before his 1965 execution to prevent Israel from recovering the remains. The claim lacks independent verification.

Syrian security officer Saeed Jawish claimed in an interview with the Saudi-owned Al Majalla that legendary Israeli spy Eli Cohen may have been buried near unidentified military barracks outside Damascus. Jawish, who says he was involved in the operation that led to Cohen's arrest, explained that he and five other Syrian officers debated the burial location the night before Cohen's execution on May 18, 1965. According to Jawish, another Syrian official named Adnan Tayara suggested burying Cohen at the entrance to a military barracks that already had permanent security, so the grave would not need special guarding. Jawish said he does not know which barracks was chosen, but that Syrian Warrant Officer Melhem Qassem attended the burial. Since Cohen's execution, Syria has refused to return his remains, which have allegedly been buried multiple times to prevent Israel from finding them. The article also notes that nearly a year ago, Saudi state-run news outlet Al-Hadath reported that Cohen's remains could be returned to Israel in a deal with Syria, following the Mossad's seizure of 2,500 documents on Cohen. The article also reports on recent discussions between Israel and Lebanon regarding the transfer of remains of Jews buried in Lebanese cemeteries.