Former Syrian Interior Minister Surrenders to New Authorities
Al-Shaar served as Syria’s Minister of Interior from 2011 to 2018, overseeing internal security operations during a critical phase of the Syrian conflict.

Feb. 4, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Key Figure from Assad's Government and Former Syrian Interior Minister, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ibrahim al-Shaar, has turned himself in to the country’s new authorities, marking a significant development in Syria’s transitional phase.
A photograph that went viral on social media Tuesday showed al-Shaar sitting inside a security forces vehicle after his surrender.

According to an interview with al-Shaar on al-Arabiya/al-Hadath, he confirmed that he had voluntarily surrendered to the new Syrian authorities. He insisted that the Ministry of Interior had only been responsible for official prisons and distanced himself from any involvement in unofficial detention facilities.
Furthermore, he denied committing any crimes that would warrant prosecution under the new leadership.
A Controversial Security Chief Under Assad
Al-Shaar served as Syria’s Minister of Interior from 2011 to 2018, overseeing internal security operations during a critical phase of the Syrian conflict.
Before his ministerial role, he held several senior security positions, including head of the Military Police and chief of Branch 227 of Military Intelligence in Damascus in 2006.
He also led the Military Security Branch in Aleppo and later in Tartus and had served in Lebanon as an officer in the Military Intelligence Directorate.
Ongoing Crackdown on Former Regime Officials
Syrian security forces have launched sweeping operations in recent weeks, aiming to dismantle remnants of the previous government, target armed groups, and enforce stability.
Last Friday, authorities arrested Atif Najib, a former chief of Political Security in southern Syria and a cousin of Bashar al-Assad. The crackdown has also focused on locating weapons stockpiles, dismantling drug trafficking networks, and pursuing individuals who have refused to disarm.
Syria’s New Leadership Sets Its Priorities
The surrender of al-Shaar comes amid Syria’s broader transition under the leadership of interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. In his first address to the nation last Thursday, al-Sharaa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring security, holding criminals accountable, and ensuring Syria’s sovereignty under a unified authority.
With al-Shaar now in the custody of the new government, attention turns to how the authorities will handle figures from the former regime.