Syria Detains 5 Officers of Assad Air Force Over Civilian Airstrikes: Who Are The Ex-Captains?

• The Arab Post
• . September 21, 2026
• . Update: September 21, 2026 5:47 pm
• 9 Views

In Syria, the new regime after the fall of Assad has arrested five senior officers of the former Syrian Air Force on charges of planning and executing attacks against populated areas of the country during the civil war.

Assad Air Force, This move was made in Tartus on September 18 through joint efforts of the Internal Security and Counter-Terrorism Department. Syrian officials informed that investigation reports had linked these officers to attacks that destroyed infrastructure, in addition to the displacement of civilians and deaths.

Who Are the Five Former Assad Air Force Officers?

The five detainees named by Syrian authorities are:

• Major General Mohammad Fajr Ali, who is a senior former Air Force officer.
• Brigadier General Abdullah Ali Mualla, known to be a military pilot.
• Colonel Nidal Hussein Saleh, known to be a pilot.
• Colonel Mohammad Ali Salim, a military officer who is linked to field operations and command structure.
• Lieutenant Colonel Talib Abdul Karim Hassan, who is a pilot and a field command officer.

Internal Security Chief of Tartus Colonel Abdul Aal Mohammad Abdul Aal said that investigations had shown the respective duties of the officers in planning, managing, and executing the air operations.

What Are They Accused Of?

According to the state-run Syrian news agency SANA, the investigators have accused the officers of using military aircraft, air bases, and field guidance centers for carrying out strikes against populated areas.

Syrian officials accused the officers of conducting attacks that have led to the destruction of neighborhoods, damage to infrastructure, displacement, and casualties among civilians.

These claims have not been verified by an ongoing judicial process. The Syrian authorities indicated that investigations were ongoing and that, if enough evidence is found, then the accused will be taken to court as per the law.

Are There Any Other Former Officers of the Assad Air Force Who Were Arrested?

No. The five arrested officers from Tartus are just part of a larger arrest operation being conducted against former military officers from the Assad era.

Previously in September, the Syrian authorities arrested nine former pilots in Latakia, who included three generals, in connection with civilian attacks and other abuses committed during the war. Another former Air Force officer was also arrested in Aleppo. According to Al Jazeera, 15 former Air Force officers have been arrested in Tartus, Latakia and Aleppo during September.

This campaign follows the fall of Assad’s government in December 2024 and the rise of Syria’s new regime led by President Ahmad Al Shara.

Why Are the Arrests Significant?

These arrests demonstrate the attempts of the new government to prosecute officials of the former government who are accused of human rights violations throughout the Syrian conflict.

The government of Syria has portrayed this initiative as one of the steps towards achieving accountability and transitional justice. Meanwhile, these arrest cases also bring about concerns regarding the ways of prosecuting these alleged war criminals.

Victims and relatives of people who were subjected to numerous airstrikes might be able to use these arrests as an opportunity to pursue individual liability for military actions. Nevertheless, it is up to the court hearings to determine whether the detainees are legally liable.

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