DAMASCUS: Syrian authorities have arrested two men accused of participating in the wartime massacre of dozens of civilians in the western Homs countryside during the rule of former President Bashar Assad.
The Interior Ministry identified the suspects as Faez Abbas Akhal and Nasr Mohammad Ghosn. It alleges they were involved in attacks on the village of Wadi Al-Mawla, in the Tal Kalakh area of the western Homs countryside, carried out by armed groups affiliated with the Assad regime’s Military Intelligence Directorate, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported on Thursday.
In a case that was referred to the Counterterrorism Directorate for investigation, the men admitted during questioning taking part in a siege and assault on the village that resulted in the deaths of 40 civilians, including women and children, the ministry said.
The arrests took place as the new authorities in Syria continue to pursue Assad-era officials and members of security institutions accused of committing war crimes and human rights violations during the country’s civil war. The conflict began in March 2011 and ended in December 2024 with the fall of Assad and his regime in the face of an opposition offensive.
The new authorities pledged to ensure accountability and transitional justice through investigations into alleged crimes committed under the former regime. Rights groups have repeatedly called for transparent judicial proceedings that ensure justice for victims and their families.
The Interior Ministry said it remains committed to ensuring those responsible for crimes against Syrians are held to account, and safeguarding the rights of victims.
