Syria detains ten former Assad‑era operatives in newest crackdown on regime remnants

Syrian security forces have arrested ten former officials of the ousted Assad regime across the country, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). The operation is the latest in an ongoing campaign to pursue former government personnel accused of crimes and abuses committed during the former regime’s rule.

The Interior Ministry announced Wednesday that security operations carried out over the past two days in Daraa, Aleppo, and Idlib provinces resulted in the detention of several wanted individuals linked to the former regime.

Among those apprehended, according to a ministry source cited by SANA, were a former commander of the First Corps and former head of the southern security and military committee, a former guard at Saydnaya prison accused of detainee abuses, and a former Republican Guard officer.

The ministry stated that the arrests are part of continued efforts by security agencies and other authorities to locate and bring to justice former regime officials accused of crimes and violations against Syrian citizens.

Arrest in Latakia

The latest detentions follow a high‑profile capture announced Tuesday in the coastal province of Latakia. Internal Security Forces detained Osama Mahmoud Hamouda, a former non‑commissioned officer accused of participating in civilian abuses during former President Bashar al‑Assad’s rule. Brig. Gen. Abdul Aziz Hilal Al‑Ahmad, head of Internal Security in Latakia, said Hamouda was arrested after an extensive surveillance operation following an alleged attempt to flee the country with the help of criminal networks. Authorities accused him of providing information to intelligence services, taking part in arbitrary detentions, and engaging in financial extortion.

Key to transitional justice

Attorney General Hassan Al‑Turba told SANA on Wednesday that prosecuting major criminals through Syrian courts is essential for transitional justice, emphasizing that legal proceedings remain central. He noted that accountability is a key pillar of transitional justice and that the Ministry of Justice is collaborating with the Interior Ministry, the National Commission for Transitional Justice, and the National Commission for Missing Persons to identify and prosecute those responsible for violations. Measures to prevent suspects from fleeing include in absentia warrants and Interpol, international agreements, and diplomatic cooperation. Witness protection programs have been introduced, and collaboration with international organizations supports these efforts through technical assistance, training, and capacity‑building. “Prosecuting major criminals is not merely a judicial procedure,” Al‑Turba said, describing it as a necessary step toward transitional justice, civil peace, and national reconciliation.

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