Former Assad Regime Officer Arrested for Role in Torture and War Crimes

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — Syrian authorities in Latakia province have announced the arrest of a former regime officer accused of committing serious human rights violations, including torture and enforced disappearances, during the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad.

According to a statement released by the Syrian Internal Security Forces in Latakia and published by state-affiliated media, Officer Ammar Muhammad Ammar was detained in coordination with the 50th Division of the Ministry of Defense. "In cooperation with the 50th Division of the Ministry of Defense, they arrested Officer Ammar Muhammad Ammar, who was one of the war criminals during the era of the former regime, and who worked for the State Security apparatus," the statement said.

The arrested officer is alleged to have served at the notorious 'Khatib' branch of the State Security apparatus and later commanded the Arbaeen branch. Both branches have long been linked to systemic torture, extrajudicial killings, and the forced disappearance of countless Syrian citizens, particularly during the early years of the country’s civil conflict.

"The criminal officer, Ammar Muhammad Ammar, worked in the 'Khatib' branch and later took command of the Arbaeen branch, whose name has for years been associated with the crimes of torture and the enforced disappearance of Syrian citizens," the statement added.

Authorities confirmed that Ammar has been transferred to the competent judicial authority, where further legal procedures are expected to be carried out.

The move may also be interpreted as part of the new Syrian government's ongoing efforts to distance itself from the legacy of the previous regime, following recent political and military developments in the country.