Syria detains 5 former regime air force officers in Tartus
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian security forces detained five senior former regime air force officers in Tartus Governorate, western Syria, over alleged involvement in planning and carrying out airstrikes against populated areas, a security official said on Friday.
Colonel Abdul Aal Mohammed Abdul Aal, head of the Internal Security Forces in Tartus, said the arrests were carried out in coordination with the Counterterrorism Department as part of ongoing operations to track those allegedly responsible for air attacks during the former regime’s rule.
Those detained include Major General Mohammed Fajr Ali, Brigadier General and pilot Abdullah Ali Malla, Colonel and pilot Nidal Hussein Saleh, Colonel Mohammed Ali Salim, and Lieutenant Colonel and pilot Talib Abdul Karim Hassan.
According to Abdul Aal, military records and investigations indicated that the detainees had different roles in planning, directing and conducting air operations. He said that their alleged activities included using air bases, aircraft and field command centers to conduct attacks on populated areas.
The operations allegedly caused extensive damage to residential neighborhoods and infrastructure, forced residents to leave their homes and resulted in civilian casualties, according to the official.
Investigations into the detainees are ongoing to determine their individual criminal responsibilities in the alleged attacks and violations. Abdul Aal added that the suspects would be referred to the competent judiciary in accordance with the law once the investigations are completed.
The arrests are part of broader efforts by Syria’s post-Assad authorities to pursue former military and security personnel accused of involvement in abuses committed during the former government’s rule.