Syrian security apparatus under Fire: Triumphs and Turmoil in Syria

On July 26, the Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of a criminal cell on the Syrian coast involved in previous attacks and planning new ones. The ministry stated that its security apparatus dismantled the terrorist cell in less than 24 hours. The cell was led by Maher Hussein Ali, who had previously carried out attacks targeting internal security sites and was preparing new assaults on military and security locations in Latakia Governorate.

Investigations revealed direct coordination between this cell and both Maher al-Assad and Waddah Suhail Ismail, commander of what is known as the “Makzoun Regiment.”

The operations also led to the arrest of former Republican Guard Colonel Malik Ali Abu Saleh, head of the so-called “Coastal Operations Room,” which oversaw planning and coordination to target army and security forces during the events of March 6. Investigations confirmed his direct involvement in coordination with foreign entities.

In Aleppo, the Internal Security Command arrested Brigadier General Imad Nafouri, a pilot in the former regime, while he was attempting to obtain forged documents in preparation for fleeing the country. He had been hiding in a residential building in Aleppo.

Nafouri is considered one of the most prominent officers involved in bombing rebellious Syrian cities and villages. He held several key positions, including commander of the 17th Air Brigade, director of air operations, and chief of staff of the air force. His name is linked to numerous airstrikes that caused massacres among civilians, including attacks on his hometown, Nabk.

He will be referred to the competent judiciary to complete legal proceedings.

On July 22, the Ministry of Interior condemned field executions carried out by unidentified individuals in Suwayda, stating that such acts constitute serious crimes punishable by law. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The ministry emphasized that no one is above the law and that anyone proven to be involved will be referred to the judiciary to receive fair punishment under the law.

On July 29, social media circulated reports of the death of a Syrian man who had returned from Germany and died in a General Security detention center. His wife claimed in a Facebook post that he was killed under torture.

Brigadier General Osama Mohammad Khair Atika, head of Internal Security in Damascus, stated that on Tuesday, July 29, reports were received about a young man in an unstable psychological state. He entered the Umayyad Mosque in a disoriented condition, uttering incoherent phrases, as documented by surveillance cameras. Mosque security personnel tried to calm him and prevent him from harming himself or others.

While in the guard room, he injured himself by striking his head against hard objects, causing severe injuries that led to his death despite medical intervention.

The brigadier general stressed the seriousness of the incident and confirmed cooperation with relevant authorities to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation and announce its findings.

In another incident, a woman posted photos of her husband being arrested by a security patrol in an unlawful manner and without a warrant. In response, Interior Minister Anas Khattab apologized officially and punished the patrol.

Due to complaints from citizens about mistreatment by security personnel, the Ministry of Interior opened a complaints department against its own members. Several officers were suspended or dismissed for charges ranging from bribery to shooting a bus driver over a dispute. 

Syria news report