Syrian Internal Security Forces in Latakia continued a string of operations this week targeting remnants of the Assad regime and affiliated criminal groups. Today, September 13, Internal Security announced the arrest of Muhammad Adnan Tayfour, accused of committing war crimes during his service in Assad’s army. Authorities said Tayfour participated in massacres and mutilation of bodies in the former revolutionary areas. He was transferred to the Counter-Terrorism Department to face judicial proceedings.
The same campaign led to the September 4 arrest of Jaafar Safir Ali al-Saloum, described as one of the most prominent leaders of outlawed groups still active in the province. Brig. Gen. Abdulaziz al-Ahmad, commander of Internal Security in Latakia, said Saloum was captured in cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Branch.
On September 11, security forces also detained Hani Shafiq Suwadi Ahmad, accused of kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking and impersonating a security officer. Local officials reported that he maintained ties to terrorist cells linked to Assad regime remnants.
Countering Drug Trafficking
Authorities stressed that the anti-narcotics campaign remains central to security operations. Brig. Gen. Khalid Eid, director of the Anti-Narcotics Department, said the previous regime had transformed Syria into a hub for Captagon production and trafficking. He noted that the Interior Ministry has prioritized regional and international cooperation to curb smuggling, citing the crime’s destabilizing effect on society and youth.
Hama Kidnapping Case Resolved
Elsewhere, coordinated operations freed prominent businessman Jihad al-Turk, who had been kidnapped in Hama province. Brig. Gen. Mulham al-Shantout said the September 10 rescue was carried out in cooperation with Internal Security units in Idlib. All members of the gang were arrested before they could demand ransom.
Turk, chairman of the Association for Development and Social Reform in Hama and a representative in the local Chamber of Industry, was safely reunited with his family.
Accountability in Civilian Death
The Interior Ministry, in line with ongoing reform and accountability policies, announced the arrest of members of a Damascus security patrol linked to the death of detainee Atta Saleh al-Fayyad. Authorities said Fayyad was detained after a brawl in the Barzeh district September 10 and died hours later. Preliminary investigations found two patrol members responsible for assaulting him. The ministry pledged to refer them to the judiciary, stressing “full commitment to justice and transparency.”
Assorted Investigations Ongoing
In Aleppo, the ministry reported the September 12 arrest of a suspect in the killing of Dr. Basil Zeno, vice dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Aleppo. Officials said the assailant, a relative of the victim, confessed to carrying out the shooting over a family dispute involving inheritance.
Meanwhile, security units in Hama’s Ghab plain opened an investigation into the abduction and assault of a girl near the village of Hurat on September 12. Authorities said efforts remain underway to track the perpetrators.
Through coordinated raids and judicial referrals, the Interior Ministry emphasized security forces will pursue both regime-linked fugitives and criminal offenders to restore stability throughout the country.
