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

Syrian authorities have apprehended five former air force commanders accused of orchestrating airstrikes that caused civilian deaths and damage to residential areas during the rule of former President Bashar Al Assad. The arrests took place in the coastal region of Tartus, according to Syrian state media on Friday. The head of the province's internal security, Abdul Aal Mohammad Abdul Aal, announced the operation in collaboration with the Counter-Terrorism Department.

The detained officers, including Maj Gen Mohammad Fajr Ali, Brig Gen Abdullah Ali Mualla, Col Nidal Hussein Saleh, Col Mohammad Ali Salim, and Lt Col Talib Abdul Karim Hassan, were linked to the planning, management, and execution of air strikes targeting populated regions. This resulted in the destruction of residential areas and infrastructure, forced displacement of residents, and significant loss of life. The investigation revealed the use of military aircraft, airbases, and command centers to carry out these attacks.

Human rights groups have accused Al Assad and other regime officials, including the current Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara, of war crimes and crimes against humanity, among which are the use of chemical weapons, torture, and enforced disappearances. Al Shara, who led a 11-day offensive that brought an end to the Assad family's five-decade rule in late 2024, has been sentenced to death in Syria.

The government has arrested numerous former officials and security operatives since coming to power, but many senior figures have fled, with some seeking refuge in Russia, including Al Assad himself.