Syrian security forces capture ex-militia chief accused of war crimes, drug trafficking
DAMASCUS: Syrian security forces have arrested a former commander of the Al-Quds Brigade militia accused of involvement in war crimes, drug trafficking and abuses committed during the rule of former president Bashar Assad, the Interior Ministry announced on Sunday.
The ministry said Abdulilah Ismail Al-Hamad was detained following an intelligence-led operation that included surveillance and monitoring to prevent him from evading capture.
In a statement posted on its Telegram channel, the ministry said investigations found that Al-Hamad led a military formation affiliated with the Al-Quds Brigade and participated in military operations in several Syrian provinces during the country's civil war.
Authorities also linked him to security facilities allegedly involved in kidnappings, drug trafficking and the torture of civilians, including cases that resulted in deaths.
