Syria Arrests Five Former Air Force Officers Over Attacks on Populated Areas
Syrian security forces have arrested five senior former air force officers in Tartous over their alleged involvement in airstrikes against populated areas during Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
The detainees include pilots, field commanders and operations-room officers. They were identified as Major General Mohammad Fajr Ali, Brigadier General Abdullah Ali Ma’la, Colonel Nidal Hussein Saleh, Colonel Mohammad Ali Salim and Lieutenant Colonel Taleb Abdul Karim Hassan.
Authorities said investigations and military records indicated that the officers were involved, according to their respective roles, in planning, directing and carrying out air operations using military aircraft, airbases and field command centres.
The strikes allegedly destroyed residential neighbourhoods and infrastructure, displaced residents and caused extensive civilian casualties.
Investigations remain ongoing to determine the individual responsibilities of those detained before their cases are referred to the judiciary. The arrests are part of wider efforts by Syria’s post-Assad authorities to investigate former security and military personnel accused of abuses during the civil war.
