Syria arrests five Assad-era air force officers over strikes on civilians

Syrian security forces have arrested five former air force officers, accused of planning and executing strikes that resulted in civilian casualties and destroyed residential areas during the Assad regime. The arrests took place in Tartus, and investigations found these officers were involved in planning, managing, and carrying out air strikes on populated areas.

The former officers detained include an air force commander, with their identities revealed by Syrian state media. Human rights groups have accused the Assad regime of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of chemical weapons and torture. Meanwhile, Syria's current President, Ahmad Al Shara, led rebels in an 11-day offensive that ended Assad's rule.

Since taking power, the government has intensified its crackdown on former regime forces, arresting numerous individuals, including nine former pilots accused of participating in deadly bombings.

Brief written by urgent.news from The National UAE's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.