Syrian Security Forces Arrest Key Suspects in 2013 War Crimes

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Syrian security forces have arrested three alleged former military operatives accused of involvement in the execution of hundreds of civilians in Tadamon, a suburb of Damascus, during the country's civil war. The arrests were made on February 17, 2025, as authorities continue to pursue individuals linked to past atrocities orchestrated under the regime of Bashar Assad.

According to Damascus Security Chief Lt. Col. Abdul Rahman Al-Dabbagh, the suspects—identified as Imad Mohammed Al-Mahmoud, Somer Mohammed Al-Mahmoud, and Monzer Al-Jazairi—were connected to the notorious Military Intelligence Branch 227, responsible for carrying out gruesome killings in 2013. A leaked video from that time captured the horrific executions of around 40 prisoners.

Al-Jazairi reportedly confessed to executing detainees at the site of the arrests, adding to evidence of systematic violence by security forces. Al-Dabbagh confirmed the confessions, emphasizing a commitment to hold prior regime members accountable for their actions during the conflict. The arrests come amidst ongoing efforts to address war crimes in a country with a fractured justice system.

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