Khaberni - The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the arrest of a former Syrian regime pilot officer accused of being one of the officials responsible for the idea of using explosive barrels to bomb cities and villages that rose up against Bashar al-Assad's regime.
The head of internal security in Latakia governorate, Brigadier General Abdul Aziz Al-Ahmad, stated that security units in the Haffa region, in cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Branch, arrested Brigadier Pilot Faiq Ayoub Mayassa during a special security operation.
An account for the Ministry of Interior on the Telegram platform quoted Al-Ahmad saying that during preliminary investigations, Ayoub Mayassa admitted he was "a member of the military committee that proposed the use of explosive barrels at the start of the revolution" and also took on the responsibility for "identifying a number of locations across various provinces to target with explosive barrels and sea mines."
Explosive barrels have been a terrifying nightmare for Syrians, as Assad's regime helicopters randomly dropped them on revolting cities and villages.
According to a report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights in late 2024, Assad's forces used explosive barrels 81,916 times since July 2012, resulting in the deaths of approximately 11,087 civilians, including 1,821 children.
Al-Ahmad noted that Ayoub Mayassa advanced in military ranks and was appointed chief of staff for Brigade 63 at Tiftanaz Military Airport at the beginning of the Syrian revolution, and was responsible for identifying target banks in collaboration with both aerial and ground operation rooms, located at the Mastouma camp in Idlib countryside, which were later targeted by helicopter.
This operation is part of the efforts by the Ministry of Interior and relevant authorities to pursue and hold accountable Assad regime officials involved in committing crimes and violations against the Syrian people, based on the implementation of transitional justice, and ensuring the rights of the victims and their families.
The Syrian authorities announce from time to time the capture of those involved in committing severe violations against civilians during the ousted regime's era.
On December 8, 2024, Syrian rebels took control over Damascus, declaring the end of 53 years of the Assad family's (Bashar and his father Hafez) rule.
