Two notorious war criminals arrested in Latakia, Syrian Interior Ministry says

The Syrian Interior Ministry announced Saturday that two of the country's most wanted war criminals, Anwar al-Rayhan and his father, Adel Ahmad al-Rayhan, have been arrested in a special operation carried out by Internal Security Forces in Latakia, in cooperation with the Counterterrorism Branch.

The two men, known for their ties to sectarian militias, had been in hiding for years and are accused of a long list of grave violations.

According to the ministry, their record includes suppressing peaceful protests in Jisr al-Shughur, launching deadly raids against dissidents, and committing crimes throughout the coastal region, most notably their alleged involvement in the 2013 Bayda massacre, in which hundreds of civilians were killed.

They are also accused of supporting military campaigns by the former regime in southern Idlib.

The two suspects have been referred to the competent judicial authorities for legal proceedings.