Syrian authorities say they have arrested a former general who served under ousted president Bashar al-Assad. Officials accuse him of leading military operations against areas held by rebels during Syria’s long civil war.
Security forces identified the detainee as former Major General Ahmed Mohammad Ismail. They described him as a senior commander in the Republican Guard of Assad’s former army.
General Accused of Leading Major Military Operations
According to Syrian authorities, Ismail rose through the ranks during his military career. Records cited by officials say he first served as a platoon commander before becoming a company commander.
He later became chief of operations for his regiment in early 2016. Authorities say he took part in military operations in Aleppo, Daraa and Eastern Ghouta.
Eastern Ghouta lies near the Syrian capital, Damascus. The area became one of the most important rebel strongholds during the conflict. Government forces retook the region in 2018 after a major military offensive.
The area also drew international attention after a deadly chemical attack in 2013. US intelligence has said more than 1,000 people died after sarin nerve gas was used in the Damascus suburb.
The attack was attributed to the Syrian government under Assad. His government denied responsibility at the time and blamed rebel forces.
Syria Targets Former Assad Officials
The arrest comes as Syria’s new authorities continue investigations into officials from the former regime.
Assad was removed from power in December 2024 after his government collapsed. Since then, the new authorities have detained dozens of former security and military officials.
Trials involving former regime figures began in April. Earlier this month, Syrian authorities also announced the arrest of nine former pilots. Officials said three of those detained were generals accused of involvement in deadly airstrikes on towns and villages during Assad’s rule.
The arrests form part of a wider effort by the new authorities to investigate alleged abuses committed during the civil war. The cases also remain politically and legally sensitive as Syria deals with the legacy of the former government.
Assad and Senior Officials Sentenced
In August, a Syrian court sentenced Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad and five other security officials to death in absentia. The court linked the sentences to alleged atrocities committed during the civil war.
Assad left Syria when his government collapsed. He is believed to be living in Russia.
The latest arrest adds another senior figure to the growing list of former Assad-era officials facing investigation or prosecution.
