Syrian security arrests ex-officer accused of war crimes in Hama

By Saad al-Yaziji

HAMA, Syria (North Press) –The Internal Security Forces in Syria’s central Hama Governorate announced on Wednesday the arrest of Ratib Fahd al-Hussein, a former regime officer accused of committing serious crimes against civilians in the early years of the conflict.

Major General Mulham Mahmoud al-Shantout, head of the Internal Security in Hama, said in a statement that al-Hussein was apprehended in Mhardeh, a town long affected by the violence of the Syrian conflict. He described the detainee as “one of the most dangerous war criminals in Mhardeh.”

According to the statement, al-Hussein previously served as head of the Military Security Branch in the town during the period of unrest under the former Syrian government. During his tenure, he allegedly oversaw numerous violations, including mass killings targeting local residents opposed to the regime, which left dozens of civilians dead.

The Internal Security Forces affirmed that the arrest is part of an ongoing effort to pursue individuals responsible for war crimes and ensure accountability before competent judicial authorities. The statement emphasized that holding perpetrators to justice remains a priority to strengthen security and stability in the region.