Syrian security forces in Damascus have arrested Bashar Mahfoud, who previously served as the commander of assault groups and head of recruitment for the Assad regime army's 25th Division, accused of committing war crimes during the Syrian civil war.
After the fall of the Assad regime, the 25th Division, led by Suhail Al-Hussain, reconstituted as a gang and is believed to have specialised in kidnapping and robbery.
This arrest comes as part of ongoing security efforts to combat organised crime and restore stability in the Syrian capital.
Bashar Mahfoud, who was the Commander of Assault Groups, played a key role in the 25th Division's activities during the Syrian civil war, where it became notorious for its involvement in numerous military operations marked by serious human rights violations, including indiscriminate killings, torture, and arbitrary detentions.
The commander was responsible for recruiting and training fighters for rapid assault operations, which primarily targeted areas that witnessed protests against the regime.
The 25th Division is accused of committing war crimes in several regions, including the Damascus countryside, Homs, and Hama, where documented cases of field executions and property destruction took place.
Mahfoud gained notoriety for his direct role in human rights violations during the conflict. He is believed to have ordered the indiscriminate use of heavy weapons in civilian areas, which resulted in dozens of civilian casualties, including women and children.
According to international and local human rights groups, Mahfoud was also implicated in the torture of detainees held in a detention centre run by the 25th Division, with reports of deaths under torture.
Following the collapse of the former regime and the disintegration of several military units, Mahfoud reportedly formed a criminal gang involved in numerous cases of kidnapping and armed robbery.
He exploited his previous network of contacts and military expertise to carry out criminal operations targeting businessmen and wealthy individuals in Damascus and its countryside, according to a security source.
The source said that the Damascus Security Directorate managed to locate Mahfoud’s hideout after a lengthy intelligence operation.
His movements and criminal activities were monitored for several months, and in coordination with other security agencies, a successful raid was carried out, resulting in his arrest and the confiscation of weapons and equipment in his possession.
The source told The New Arab's Arabic language sister site Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Mahfoud confessed during preliminary investigations to his involvement in kidnappings and robberies.
He also provided information about his criminal network and gang members operating under his command. Several additional members of the gang were arrested, leading to its complete dismantling.
Mahfoud’s arrest was celebrated by local residents, who expressed relief at the capture of one of the most dangerous criminals who had terrorised the area. They voiced hope that this step would mark the beginning of holding all those involved in war crimes and violations committed in recent years accountable.
Activists called for Mahfoud to be referred to the judiciary for a fair trial, ensuring transparency in investigations and allowing victims the opportunity to testify. They also demanded an international investigation into the war crimes committed by the 25th Division, including the role of its commanders like Suhail Al-Hassan.