LONDON: The Interior Ministry of the Syrian Arab Republic on Sunday announced the arrest of a former officer of the Assad regime suspected of committing crimes against the Syrian people.
Ghassan Assaf formerly held the rank of assistant sergeant and served as the office manager to Suheil Al-Hassan, a prominent figure who commanded the Assad-era special forces.
Authorities accuse Assaf of committing violations against civilians in the western Aleppo countryside during the civil war from 2011 to 2024. He is also accused of recruiting terrorist cells, inciting unrest and taking part in attacks targeting public security after 2024, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.
Al-Hassan formed an anti-government armed group, Rijal Al-Nour, Saraya Al-Jawad, in August last year. It consisted of former military figures from the Assad regime. Authorities accuse Al-Hassan’s group and others from the coastal towns of Latakia, Jabla and Tartus of committing acts of violence against security personnel.
Security agencies have arrested dozens of officials from the Assad era for human rights violations against the Syrian people since December 2024. Some are already being put on trial.
