Syrian authorities detain key suspect in 2013 Tadamon killings

Syrian Authorities Arrest Main Suspect in Tadamon Massacre

A security operation led by Syrian authorities has resulted in the arrest of Amjad Youssef, a former intelligence officer accused of involvement in the 2013 Tadamon massacre in Damascus. The interior ministry confirmed that surveillance and tracking operations were conducted across the Al-Ghab Plain in Hama for several days prior to the arrest.

According to reports, footage circulating on social media shows Youssef being taken into custody, with visible signs of blood on his face. He is seen handcuffed on the floor and later in a vehicle surrounded by security forces. The video, which was leaked in 2022, appears to show evidence of crimes committed by Syrian forces during the Tadamon massacre.

Youssef, who served as an intelligence officer under former President Bashar al-Assad’s leadership, has been accused of numerous crimes against civilians. He was responsible for security operations in southern Damascus during the Syrian uprising and was trained in military intelligence before rising through the ranks to become an investigator.

In August 2023, German police arrested Ahmed al-Harmouni, a friend of Youssef, on suspicion of involvement in the Tadamon massacre. Since then, several other suspects have been arrested and confessed to their roles in the tragedy. Human Rights Watch has reported finding human remains in the southern Damascus neighbourhood that show signs consistent with execution.

The arrest of Youssef marks a significant development in the ongoing pursuit of those accused of atrocities committed during the Syrian uprising. The Syrian government has launched a security campaign to pursue figures from the former leadership, while citizens have launched a public fundraising campaign to offer rewards for information leading to the capture of those responsible.

Source: Al Jazeera