Syrian Authorities Detain Five Former Assad-Era Air Force Officers for Deadly Airstrikes

Syrian security forces have arrested five former air force officers who are accused of planning and executing strikes that caused civilian casualties and destroyed residential areas under the former regime of Bashar Al Assad.

State media reported on Friday that the arrests of the former officers, which include an air force commander, took place during a series of operations in the coastal province of Tartus.

Abdul Aal Mohammad Abdul Aal, head of the coastal province's internal security, stated that specialised units working alongside the Counter-Terrorism Department conducted precise security operations to capture the five senior officers and leaders of the air force from the former regime.

According to Mr Abdul Aal, investigations revealed that these officers participated in planning, managing, and executing airstrikes directed at populated regions. These actions led to the destruction of residential areas and infrastructure, the forced displacement of residents, and significant human casualties.

The detained individuals have been identified as Maj Gen Mohammad Fajr Ali, Brig Gen pilot Abdullah Ali Mualla, Col pilot Nidal Hussein Saleh, Col Mohammad Ali Salim, and Lt Col pilot Talib Abdul Karim Hassan.

Mr Abdul Aal explained that aircraft, airbases, and field command centres were utilized to launch massive strikes against populated zones, resulting in widespread destruction, forced displacement, and mass casualties.

Human rights groups have accused Mr Al Assad and his associates of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, including torture, enforced disappearances, and the use of chemical weapons. Consequently, the former president and other former officials have received death sentences in Syria.

Following an 11-day offensive led by former rebel commander-turned-president Ahmad Al Shara that ended five decades of Assad family rule in late 2024, the new government has captured hundreds of former officials and security operatives. However, top-tier members of the former regime, including the former leader, remain largely in Russia.

The current authorities have actively pursued remnants of the former regime since taking power. Earlier this month, Syrian officials announced the arrest of nine former pilots, including three generals, who were accused of participating in the lethal bombing campaign during the Assad era.