Syria: Major General Jalal Saqr, one of the most prominent commanders of Assad's army, arrested

The Internal Security Command in Latakia Governorate announced the arrest of Major General Jalal Kamal Saqr, one of the senior officers in the former Syrian regime’s forces and commander of the 18th Infantry Brigade, on charges of involvement in war crimes and widespread arbitrary arrests targeting civilians during the years of the Syrian revolution. The Internal Security Forces stated that investigations and available information have confirmed Saqr’s direct participation in military operations targeting civilian areas in Damascus and Eastern Ghouta, as well as his supervision of arrest campaigns and security crackdowns in Daraa Governorate.

Saqr is among the prominent military leaders who held sensitive positions within the military establishment during the former regime’s rule. He served as chief of staff of the 14th Division, then became its deputy commander, before officially assuming command of the division until mid-2016. After completing his tenure as division commander, Saqr was transferred to work in the Operations Department in Damascus, an entity that played a key role in planning and managing military operations carried out by the former regime’s forces in several Syrian regions during the years of conflict.

Saqr continued his work within the Operations Department until May 1, 2017, when he was discharged from military service. His arrest is part of the Syrian authorities’ pursuit of several former officers and officials accused of committing violations and crimes against civilians during the years of the revolution and war in the country.