Syrian security forces announced on Friday, September 18, the arrest of five former air force officers, including a major-general, accused of using air force assets and command centers to conduct intensive combat airstrikes targeting populated areas during the rule of deposed President Bashar al-Assad. The arrests were made in coordination with the Counter Terrorism Directorate. Investigations and military records indicate their involvement in planning, directing, and carrying out these strikes, which resulted in the destruction of residential neighborhoods, forced displacement, and extensive casualties. Since al-Assad's overthrow in December 2024, Syria's new government has arrested dozens of former security officials.