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Syria on Friday announced the arrest of two senior military figures from the era of former President Bashar Assad, as the country’s new administration continues efforts to pursue accountability for alleged wartime abuses.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab said former Deputy Chief of Staff Gen. Wasel Al-Owaid and former 22nd Air Division commander Gen. Ibrahim Mahla had been detained.
“The criminals Gen. Wasel Al-Owaid, deputy chief of staff, and pilot Gen. Ibrahim Mahla, chief of staff of the 22nd Air Division, two symbols of the bloody regime, are now in our custody,” Khattab said in a statement posted on the social media platform X.
He did not provide further details regarding the arrests or possible charges.
The arrests come as Syria’s transitional authorities continue investigations into alleged crimes committed during the country’s 2011-2024 civil war.
The new administration has repeatedly announced operations targeting former military, intelligence and security officials accused of involvement in abuses against civilians under the Assad government.
Bashar Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, 2024, ending the Baath Party’s decades-long rule in the country.
A transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was formed in January 2025 following the collapse of the Assad government.
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