Syrian Interior Ministry Announces Arrest of “Abu al-Fida,” a Prominent Criminal of the Assad Regime

Lebanon Today

The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced today, Saturday, the arrest of one of the major criminals who were active in the previous era, during a precise security operation carried out in the city of Aleppo, in the north of the country.

In an official statement, the ministry stated that its search and investigation teams carried out accurate monitoring and diligent follow-up, which ultimately resulted in reaching the wanted man: “Ali Qarqnawi,” known as “Abu al-Fida,” in the al-Halak area inside the city of Aleppo.

The ministry stated that, based on a decision from the Public Prosecution, the Counter-Terrorism Branch in the Aleppo Governorate carried out a raid on his location, and he was arrested without any significant resistance.

The statement indicated that the initial information available indicates his involvement in suppressing peaceful demonstrations when he held the position of officer with the rank of major, in addition to leading an armed group and engaging in the “National Defense” militia and other militias of a sectarian nature.

The ministry also revealed that “Qarqanawi” exploited his previous candidacy for membership in the People’s Council as an official cover for his movements and criminal activities.

At the end of the statement, it was indicated that the accused was handed over to the concerned authorities to complete the investigation procedures, in preparation for his presentation to the competent judiciary.