Syria announces arrest of former Major General over wartime violations
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Interior Ministry announced on Friday the arrest of former Major General Rafiq Ahmad Kulthum, a senior officer in the former Syrian government forces, accusing him of involvement in crimes and violations committed during the Syrian conflict.
In a statement, the ministry said Kulthum held several key military positions during his service. According to the statement, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the 116th Brigade within the Air Defense Administration in al-Qutayfah in 2011, before assuming command of the same brigade in 2012.
The ministry stated that Kulthum was later assigned in 2016 to lead military operations in the eastern countryside of Salamiyah. In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed commander of the Central Region, with support from Brigadier General Asif al-Dakr, who headed Officers Affairs Branch 293 within Military Intelligence.
Authorities said Kulthum participated in and oversaw a number of military operations in Damascus governorate and its countryside during the Syrian conflict. The ministry specifically cited his role in the 2018 military offensive on Eastern Ghouta.
The Interior Ministry did not provide further details regarding the circumstances of the arrest or any legal proceedings against Kulthum.
The announcement comes as Syrian authorities continue to pursue former military and security officials accused of involvement in violations committed during the years of conflict.