Former Syrian Intelligence Officer Arrested Over Civilian Massacre Allegations
By Kardo Roj
LATAKIA, Syria (North Press) –
The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the arrest of Sultan al-Tinawi, a former high-ranking officer in the Air Force Intelligence Directorate, over alleged involvement in war crimes committed during the earlier years of the Syrian conflict.
According to an official statement posted by the ministry, security forces in the coastal city of Latakia apprehended al-Tinawi on charges related to serious violations against civilians, including his alleged role in a massacre in the Damascus countryside town of Jiroud in July 2016.
Al-Tinawi was reportedly a key figure in coordinating between Syrian intelligence factions and allied foreign militias operating in the country, notably the Lebanese group Hezbollah. The Interior Ministry described him as “one of the most prominent officers” in the Air Force Intelligence branch during the height of the conflict.
Syrian legal sources said al-Tinawi has been referred to the public prosecutor to undergo further investigation. No official charges have yet been detailed beyond the general accusation of war crimes, though the ministry’s statement referenced his coordination with “sectarian groups” and participation in state-backed operations during some of the most violent years of the war.
Rights organizations have long documented abuses committed by the Air Force Intelligence Directorate, one of the most powerful and feared branches of Syria’s security institutions. The agency has been linked to arbitrary detentions, torture, and enforced disappearances throughout the conflict, especially in areas that witnessed early anti-government protests.
While the arrest occurred in government-held territory, developments surrounding accountability and justice resonate across Syria, including in regions administered by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the primary security partner of the AANES, have repeatedly called for international mechanisms to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable, regardless of affiliation.
The arrest of a regime-affiliated officer implicated in crimes against civilians may be seen by observers as part of a broader narrative in Syria, where calls for justice and institutional reform remain central to any future political settlement. The AANES has itself emphasized transitional justice and support for civil documentation efforts, particularly in areas affected by years of conflict and displacement.