Syrian security forces have arrested five former members of militias and intelligence bodies linked to Bashar al-Assad’s ousted government, the Interior Ministry said Thursday. The ministry accused the suspects of involvement in massacres and serious abuses against civilians during the country’s nearly 14-year conflict.
Three suspects named in first operation
One detainee, Shahin Hamdan al-Shahin, was identified as a founder of the Shawaheen Regiment. The ministry said he had worked with Air Force Intelligence from 2015 under Suheil al-Hassan and later helped form armed groups. It alleged he took part in killings in eastern Hama and along the Ithriya–Raqqa road in 2017, and commanded groups accused of killings, arrests, torture and destruction in Palmyra and areas reaching Deir ez-Zor through 2019.
Four more arrests
In a separate operation, authorities detained Nabil Adnan Ismail and Ghazi Mohammed Ismail, described as commanders in militias associated with Air Force Intelligence. Officials accused them of kidnappings, looting and massacres, including incidents in Aqrab, and of abducting civilians to demand money.
The other two suspects are brothers Taher Youssef al-Mohammed and Talal Youssef al-Mohammed. The ministry said they served in Air Force Intelligence and the Scientific Studies and Research Center, and allegedly used access to detainee records to pressure families for money.
Investigations continue
The ministry said inquiries into all five men are continuing before their cases are referred to judicial authorities. The arrests are part of wider efforts by Syria’s new administration to investigate former regime personnel accused of abuses. Authorities announced the arrest of five senior air force officers and commanders on 18 September over alleged roles in attacks on populated areas.
The allegations have not been adjudicated in the reported cases. Further court proceedings will determine how the cases proceed.
