Syrian Security Forces Arrest Five Former Assad-Era Officers for Civilian Airstrikes

Syrian security forces have arrested five former air force officers accused of involvement in air strikes on civilians during the rule of deposed President Bashar al-Assad.

The former officers, including an air force general, were apprehended in a series of operations conducted in coordination with the Counter Terrorism Directorate, according to a statement released on Friday by the head of Syria’s Internal Security Forces in the coastal Tartous province.

The detained individuals were allegedly involved "in using the air force, airbases and field command centres to conduct intensive combat airstrikes targeting populated areas," the statement noted. Colonel Abdul Aal Mohammad Abdul Aal stated that the suspects include pilots, field commanders, and officers who served in operations rooms under the former regime.

Those identified in custody are 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. Investigations and military records point to their direct involvement in planning, directing, and executing the strikes.

These operations resulted in the destruction of residential neighborhoods and infrastructure, widespread displacement, and extensive casualties. Authorities confirmed that investigations remain ongoing before the suspects are formally referred for trial.

Following more than 13 years of civil war that caused over half a million deaths, Syrian forces frequently targeted rebel-held areas prior to the fall of al-Assad's government. Since the overthrow of al-Assad in December 2024, the new Syrian government has detained dozens of former security officials, including nine former pilots arrested earlier this month. In August, Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and five other security officials were sentenced to death in absentia for civil war atrocities, while the former president remains in exile, believed to be living in Russia.