The Syrian government’s Interior Ministry announced a series of arrests targeting individuals accused of involvement in Assad-era violations against civilians, as authorities expand investigations into alleged abuses committed throughout the years of the Syrian conflict.
The Ministry said Internal Security Forces arrested Hassan Ali Qouja and Ajwan Ahmad Karjot in Daraa Governorate. The arrests stemmed from ongoing investigations involving Raafat Anwar Amoudi, who was detained earlier and whose reported confessions and information led investigators to additional suspects.
The ministry said investigations revealed the three detainees allegedly participated in military and security violations in Daraa city, including service at the Hamida al-Tahir checkpoint in the Sahari neighborhood.
Authorities also accused them of taking part in arrest campaigns targeting dozens of residents in the Kashif neighborhood, who were subsequently transferred to the former headquarters of the 15th Division, known locally as the “Red Building.”
Officials further alleged the suspects were involved in wider arrest operations against residents across Daraa Governorate while serving within Assad’s security apparatus. Legal proceedings remain ongoing as authorities prepare to refer the detainees to the competent judicial bodies.
Focus on Enforced Disappearances
The latest arrests follow the detention of Amoudi, described as one of the most wanted individuals linked to the regime’s Popular Committees militia in Daraa. According to ministry statements, preliminary investigations indicate Amoudi participated in arrests and enforced disappearances targeting residents of the province.
Authorities said he worked under former Military Security Branch chief Brig. Gen. Wafiq al-Nasser and operated under the supervision of Assistant Osama Abu Jafar as part of a network tasked with pursuing opponents and wanted persons during the revolution.
The government alleges Amoudi cooperated closely with Air Force Intelligence officers, including Col. Qusay Mahyoub. Investigators claim his role involved transferring wanted individuals to security agencies before extorting money from their families through promises of release that were never fulfilled. Authorities said investigations are continuing to identify potential accomplices and establish the full scope of the alleged activities before judicial proceedings begin.
Senior Former Official Detained
In a separate operation, the Interior Ministry announced the arrest of Maj. Gen. Qais Hassan Abdulrajab, who served as assistant director of the General Intelligence Directorate, commonly known as State Security.
The ministry accused Abdulrajab of involvement in serious violations against civilians in the Damascus neighborhood of Hajar al-Aswad, the cities of Daraya and Muadamiyat al-Sham, and several towns and villages in Daraa Governorate.
Officials said counter-terrorism personnel carried out the arrest following an extended effort monitoring his movements and preventing attempts to evade prosecution. Authorities said investigations remain underway before the case is transferred to the judiciary.
Continuing Campaign Targets Assad Regime Figures
The arrests form part of an ongoing campaign by the government to pursue former military, intelligence and militia figures accused of crimes against civilians. Interior Minister Anas Khattab said in a post on X that the Counter-Terrorism Department and Internal Security leaderships across the country continue efforts to locate and apprehend suspects. He said security services remain committed to gathering evidence and pursuing legal accountability through established judicial procedures.
Recent operations have included the arrest of Ghassan Assaf, former director of the office of Suhail al-Hassan, commander of the former Tiger Forces militia. Authorities have also announced the detention of Shuaib Mahmoud Ibrahim, who is wanted on allegations of war crimes and participation in military operations against liberated areas.
Security Operations Continue in Northern Syria
While authorities pursue regime remnants, Internal Security Forces have also conducted operations addressing current security threats. The Interior Ministry announced security forces arrested 20 individuals accused of participating in attacks on checkpoints and security headquarters in and around the village of Awniya in the Ain al-Arab (Kobani) region east of Aleppo.
According to the ministry, the arrests followed security operations launched after a series of attacks targeting state institutions. Officials said forces restored stability to the area and continue searching for additional suspects.
The ministry declared attacks against security facilities constitute attacks on the Syrian state and pledged to respond firmly to actions threatening public security and the stability of communities under government control.
