Five former Syrian air force officers arrested over strikes on civilians

Syrian security forces have arrested five former air force officers, including an air force general, over alleged involvement in airstrikes on civilians during Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

The arrests were carried out in a series of operations in coastal Tartous province in coordination with the Counter Terrorism Directorate, according to the head of Syria’s Internal Security Forces in a Friday statement.

What the security forces allege

Colonel Abdul Aal Mohammad Abdul Aal said the detainees included pilots, field commanders and officers who served in operations rooms under the former regime. Investigations and military records allegedly linked them, according to their positions and responsibilities, to planning, directing and carrying out airstrikes. Read the context: Trump Advocates Syrian Role in Lebanon to Counter Hezbollah, Raising Concerns.

The security forces said aircraft, airbases and field command centres were used to conduct intensive strikes on populated areas. They said the attacks resulted in the destruction of residential neighbourhoods and infrastructure, forced displacement and extensive casualties.

Key points

• Major-General Mohammad Fajr Ali was among those detained.
• Brigadier-General pilot Abdullah Ali Mualla was among those detained.
• Colonel pilot Nidal Hussein Saleh was among those detained.
• Colonel Mohammad Ali Salim was among those detained.
• Lieutenant-Colonel pilot Talib Abdul Karim Hassan was among those detained.

The wider accountability effort

The arrests come as Syria’s new government pursues former security officials after al-Assad was overthrown in December 2024. Authorities said earlier this month that they had arrested nine former pilots, including three generals, over lethal bombings of towns and villages under his rule.

In August, Syria sentenced Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad and five other security officials to death in absentia for atrocities committed during the civil war. Bashar al-Assad fled Syria when his government fell and is believed to be living in Russia.

What happens next

Investigations remain ongoing, after which the five suspects are expected to be referred for trial, according to the security forces.