LONDON: Syrian security forces on Monday arrested Sami Oubari, former leader of the National Defense Militia in Aleppo, who is accused of committing crimes against civilians while Bashar Assad was president of the country.
The Internal Security Forces and the General Intelligence Directorate have been investigating Oubari for alleged abuses and violations during the civil war, which began in 2011 and ended with the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
He is accused of “suppressing early peaceful protests, helping establish and lead the National Defense Militia from 2012 to 2017, and overseeing various violations, including arbitrary checkpoints, detentions and the looting of displaced residents’ properties in 2016,” said Col. Mohammed Abdel Ghani, head of Internal Security in Aleppo.
Oubari was appointed head of public relations for the National Defense Militia in 2017. He fled to Lebanon after Assad was ousted almost a year ago.
“He was arrested after reentering the country clandestinely, following close monitoring and tracking of his movements,” Abdel Ghani said. Security forces will continue to pursue individuals believed to be guilty of wartime violations, he added.
Authorities said the arrest of Oubari reflects their commitment to ensuring those guilty of serious violations during the Assad era are held accountable, as well as efforts to enhance social trust and stability, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.
