Bashar Mahfoud, a former commander in the Assad regime’s 25th Division, was arrested in Damascus for alleged war crimes, including torture and robbery. His division has transitioned into a criminal gang following the regime’s decline. Residents welcome his arrest, seeking accountability and calling for a fair judicial process regarding the alleged war crimes committed during the civil war.
Syrian security forces arrested Bashar Mahfoud, a former commander in the Assad regime’s 25th Division, in Damascus. Mahfoud has been accused of war crimes during the Syrian civil war, which include serious human rights violations such as torture, arbitrary detention, and indiscriminate killings. His unit has also purportedly evolved into a criminal gang engaged in kidnappings and robberies following the regime’s decline.
As the commander of assault groups, Mahfoud was instrumental in the division’s operations targeting areas with anti-regime protests. The 25th Division, under Suhail Al-Hussain, has drawn scrutiny for committing war crimes across several Syrian regions. International and local human rights organizations have reported Mahfoud’s involvement in heavy weaponry use in civilian neighborhoods that resulted in numerous casualties.
Following the disintegration of military units after the regime collapse, Mahfoud transitioned to leading a gang specializing in kidnapping and robbery, leveraging his military contacts. His capture was the result of an extensive surveillance operation by the Damascus Security Directorate, leading to a raid that yielded his arrest and the confiscation of weapons.
During initial interrogations, Mahfoud reportedly confessed to his involvement in various criminal activities and provided details on his network, which facilitated the arrests of other gang members. Local residents welcomed his arrest, viewing it as a partial victory against criminality and a step towards accountability for war crimes. Activists advocate for his prosecution and a broader investigation into the actions of the 25th Division and its leaders, calling for transparency and victim testimonies in the judicial process.
The arrest of Bashar Mahfoud marks a significant development in Syria’s ongoing struggle against organized crime and the quest for accountability pertaining to war crimes. His capture, alongside the dismantling of his criminal network, reflects heightened security measures in Damascus and a community’s hope for justice. Victims advocate for legal proceedings against Mahfoud and an international investigation into the broader abuses linked to the Assad regime’s military branches.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
