Five Assad-era Air Force officers detained in Syria — The National
In Syria, security forces detained five former Air Force officers from the era of Bashar al-Assad in the coastal province of Tartus. According to The National, they are accused of planning and carrying out airstrikes on populated areas that, according to Syrian officials, resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of residential buildings.
The operations were carried out by specialized internal security units jointly with the counterterrorism department, said Abdul Aal Muhammad Abdul Aal, the head of internal security for the coastal province.
Who was detained
Those detained include Major General Muhammad Fajr Ali, Brigadier General and pilot Abdullah Ali Mualla, Colonel and pilot Nidal Hussein Saleh, Colonel Muhammad Ali Salim, and Lieutenant Colonel and pilot Talib Abdul Karim Hassan.
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According to Abdul Aal, the investigation established their alleged involvement in planning, directing and carrying out airstrikes on populated areas. The official said aircraft, air bases and field command centers were used during large-scale attacks. He claims that the strikes caused the destruction of civilian areas and infrastructure, the forced displacement of residents, and significant loss of life.
Detention of former military personnel
Human rights organizations had previously accused Bashar al-Assad and representatives of his government of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of chemical weapons, torture and enforced disappearances.
The new Syrian authorities have been taking measures against representatives of the former regime since coming to power in late 2024. Earlier this month, Syrian authorities reported the detention of nine former pilots, including three generals. They were accused of participating in a bombing campaign during Assad's rule.
