Syrian security forces announced the arrest of five former air force officers accused of orchestrating aerial attacks on civilian populations during the regime of deposed President Bashar al-Assad. The detainees were taken into custody during coordinated operations involving the Counter Terrorism Directorate, according to a statement issued Friday by the head of the Internal Security Forces in Tartous province.
Colonel Abdul Aal Mohammad Abdul Aal identified the suspects as 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. Officials stated that investigations and military records indicate the men planned, directed, and executed intensive combat airstrikes using air bases and field command centers to target populated areas.
The statement described the consequences of these attacks, citing the destruction of residential neighborhoods and infrastructure, forced displacement, and significant casualties. Authorities confirmed that probes are continuing before the suspects are referred to trial.
These arrests mark another step in the new government’s efforts to hold former regime officials accountable since Assad was overthrown in December 2024. Earlier this month, Syrian authorities detained nine former pilots, including three generals, for similar allegations. In August, the country sentenced Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and five other security officials to death in absentia for atrocities committed during the civil war.
Assad fled the country as his government collapsed and is believed to be residing in Russia. The subsequent conflict resulted in more than half a million deaths over more than 13 years, with Syrian forces extensively shelling rebel-held areas prior to the regime’s fall.
Good, but what about the political leaders who ordered these strikes? I hope the investigations go higher up the chain of command, not just the pilots.
Finally some accountability after over a decade of atrocities. The fact that these officers are being detained shows the new government is serious about justice.