Damascus: Syrian security forces have detained five senior air force officers and commanders who served under the former Bashar al-Assad regime. These arrests are linked to their involvement in airstrikes on populated areas, as reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
According to Anadolu Agency, Col. Abdul Aal Mohammad Abdul Aal, the head of Internal Security in the coastal Tartous province, announced that specialized units, in collaboration with the Anti-Terrorism Directorate, executed a series of security operations that culminated in the officers' arrests. The detainees, 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, were involved in operations under the previous regime.
Investigations and military records have shown that these officers, in their respective roles, were responsible for planning, directing, and executing airstrikes. The security chief highlighted that aircraft, air bases, and command centers were utilized to conduct intensified strikes on populated areas, leading to significant destruction of residential neighborhoods, infrastructure, and causing forced displacement and casualties.
On September 10, Abdulaziz al-Ahmad, Latakia Internal Security Commander, noted a series of security operations resulting in the arrest of nine pilots after thorough surveillance, intelligence gathering, and investigations. These detainees were found to have participated in crimes and violations against the Syrian populace, leveraging their military roles and expertise in aviation.
The statement further detailed that the operations involved bombardments which resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, widespread damage to cities and towns, displacement of residents, and destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure. Syrian authorities regularly announce arrests of individuals accused of violations against civilians during the revolution years, which began in March 2011 and led to the toppling of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024.