Syria arrests five former al-Assad-era officers over strikes on civilians

Syrian security forces announced the arrest of five former air force officers accused of involvement in air strikes on civilians during the rule of deposed President Bashar al-Assad. The detentions were carried out in a series of operations coordinated with the Counter Terrorism Directorate, the head of the Internal Security Forces in the coastal Tartous province said in a Friday statement. Authorities identified the suspects as Major-General Mohammad Fajr Ali; Brigadier-General pilot Abdullah Ali Mualla; Colonel pilot Nidal Hussein Saleh; Colonel Mohammad Ali Salim; and Lieutenant-Colonel pilot Talib Abdul Karim Hassan. According to Colonel Abdul Aal Mohammad Abdul Aal, the group included pilots, field commanders and officers who served in operations rooms under the former regime. Investigators allege the five men used the air force, airbases and field command centres to plan, direct and execute intensive combat strikes that targeted populated areas, causing the destruction of residential neighbourhoods and infrastructure, forced displacement and extensive casualties. Security officials said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be referred for trial once inquiries are complete. The arrests follow a wider campaign by the new Syrian authorities since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Officials have detained dozens of former security personnel, and earlier this month announced arrests of nine former pilots, including three generals, accused of involvement in lethal bombings. In August, Syrian courts sentenced Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad and five other security officials to death in absentia for wartime atrocities; the former president is reported to have fled the country and is believed to be in Russia.