Syrian authorities arrest former regime operatives in Deir ez-Zor
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – General Security forces affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government arrested on Wednesday several individuals linked to the former regime, including a senior officer in the Air Force Intelligence branch in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria.
A security source in Deir ez-Zor told North Press that the General Security patrols stormed the town of al-Kashma in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor and detained three individuals associated with the former regime.
The source said that the detainees included Ali al-Khalaf, a known official in the region’s Air Force Intelligence division.
The source added that the operation is part of an ongoing campaign to apprehend former regime elements who have not participated in the reconciliation process.
Additionally, two members of the National Defense Forces (NDF) were arrested in the town of al-Ashara, east of Deir ez-Zor. Kalashnikov rifles and documents linking the detainees to the former regime were reportedly found in their possession.
In a related development, Deir ez-Zor Governorate announced on Tuesday the interception of a shipment of Grad rockets held by a group of local arms dealers.
According to the statement, internal security forces carried out a targeted operation that led to the arrest of those involved, the confiscation of the rockets, and the transfer of the suspects to the judiciary for legal proceedings.