World · Middle East · 8 hrs ago
Syria arrests 15 former officials, including Bashar al-Assad’s cousin
Syrian authorities arrested 15 former officers and officials in security operations in Homs, a city in central Syria.
The Interior Ministry spokesperson said the detainees include Yahya al-Assad, a cousin of former president Bashar al-Assad.
The list also includes former military intelligence investigators, security officials, pilots and a former head of the so-called Terrorism Court.
Some detainees are accused of involvement in past abuses, but officials have not detailed the allegations against each person.
Syria has also reported arrests of thousands of people who held military ranks under the former government, including 3,548 by June 15.
Investigations are expected to clarify individual responsibility and the charges, but no further steps in the case were announced.
Syrian authorities arrested 15 former officers and officials in security operations in the city of Homs.
Those arrested include Yahya al-Assad, a cousin of former president Bashar al-Assad.
The Interior Ministry spokesperson said the detainees had held positions in military, intelligence, security and other state institutions under the former government.
The authorities have not provided details of the specific allegations against every detainee.
The ministry said in June that authorities had detained 3,548 people with military ranks linked to the former government.
- Who
- Syrian authorities arrested 15 former officers and officials, including Yahya al-Assad, Bashar al-Assad’s cousin.
- What
- The arrests were made during security operations led by the Internal Security Command.
- When
- The announcement was made on Monday, October 26, 2026.
- Where
- Homs, in central Syria.
- Why
- The sources do not state the specific allegations against all 15 detainees. One detainee was described as allegedly involved in events in the Tadamon neighbourhood.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Interior Ministry said authorities had detained 3,548 people with military ranks linked to the former government.
Internal security forces announced the arrest of former intelligence officer Suleiman Ahmed Hassan.
The Interior Ministry spokesperson announced the arrest of 15 former officers and officials in Homs.
- Detainees
- 15 former officers and officials
- Location
- Homs, Syria
- Notable detainee
- Yahya al-Assad, cousin of Bashar al-Assad
- Ministry tally
- 3,548 people with military ranks detained as of June 15
- Former role
- Yahya al-Assad was a colonel in Branch 105
3 sources
What people are saying
These are officers and officials who previously served in the defunct regime