Ex-Syrian Military Officer Detained Over Alleged Role in Sarin Bomb Manufacturing

Syrian authorities have taken into custody a former military officer accused of managing the manufacture of sarin-filled bombs deployed in chemical attacks from 2013 to 2017. Rights groups say the legal proceedings could help reveal the broader framework of the country’s chemical weapons operations.

According to the Syrian Interior Ministry, Col. Ahmad Habib Ali, previously a chemical weapons specialist, led a department at the Scientific Studies and Research Center and was responsible for sarin storage and chemical production at Unit 417.

Preliminary findings state that Ali supervised the fabrication of around 20 aerial bombs, each loaded with approximately 250 kilograms (550 pounds) of sarin. Officials allege the weapons were used against Syrian communities between 2013 and 2017.

The inquiry is ongoing before the matter is handed to the courts. Sources at the Interior Ministry declined to elaborate to The Media Line beyond the public statement, and a Justice Ministry representative confirmed the case is with the competent bodies.

Syrian attorney Louay al-Hassani told The Media Line the detention marks “the beginning of the judicial process, not its conclusion.” He noted that investigators must gather evidence and hear from witnesses and experts before deciding on a trial.

Possible charges include homicide and involvement in banned weapons use, and, with sufficient proof, war crimes or crimes against humanity.

Fadel Abdulghany, head of the Syrian Network for Human Rights, described the arrest as “an important and positive step toward accountability” but cautioned that a single prosecution does not equal justice.

He emphasized that chemical strikes were carried out through a structured military and security system and advocated probes throughout the command chain. Abdulghany also recommended coordination with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism.

The detention followed OPCW Executive Council decisions on Syria after the new government increased its cooperation in locating remnants of the prior chemical program.

Rua, who lost both parents in the August 21, 2013 sarin assault on Eastern Ghouta, said the arrest might lead to answers: “The arrest won’t bring them back,” she told The Media Line. “But maybe it’s the beginning of finding the truth.”

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