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DAMASCUS, Syria — A significant development occurred on Saturday as hundreds of former Syrian soldiers reported to the newly established military authorities, marking their first appearance since the ousting of Bashar Assad. This occasion is pivotal as it involved questioning related to potential involvement in crimes against civilians. In exchange for their cooperation, they were promised amnesty and a chance to return to civilian life.
The former soldiers gathered at the former headquarters of Assad’s Baath party in Damascus, a symbolic site that had been under the regime’s control for decades. There, they faced a panel of interrogators, including former insurgents who had played a role in the military’s collapse. Soldiers were assigned a registration number and offered a list of questions, with the option to leave at any time.
Many of those who once served in the military expressed to The Associated Press that enlistment was primarily driven by the promise of steady income and access to healthcare. They faced an unexpected upheaval when a large number of Assad’s forces were unable to thwart the insurgents’ advance, leading to a swift collapse of the regime and the eventual displacement of Assad himself.
Now, with the interim authority in control, there are active investigations into atrocities committed during the Assad regime. The focus includes mass graves and notorious prisons infamous for torture, executions, and their harsh living conditions.
Lt. Col. Walid Abd Rabbo, representing the new Interior Ministry, noted that the army has been disbanded, and it remains undecided if those with no blood on their hands will be permitted to re-enlist. The new government is committed to bringing to justice those culpable for crimes against the Syrian people during the Assad era.
In recent days, additional centers for the questioning and registration of former servicemen have been established throughout Syria.
Abdul-Rahman Ali, a 43-year-old former soldier who was stationed in Aleppo until it fell to insurgents, stated, “Today I am coming for the reconciliation and don’t know what will happen next.” He recalled orders to abandon everything and retreat, and his journey included a 14-hour walk to reach Salamiyeh, followed by a bus ride to Damascus.
Having earned 700,000 pounds (approximately $45) a month in Assad’s army, Ali expressed his willingness to serve his country once again.
Inside the interrogation rooms, former soldiers waited in lines, undergoing questioning about their service. An interrogator observed signs of regret among the individuals, remarking that one soldier, now working in a shawarma restaurant, had turned in his military identity upon leaving active duty.
After his questioning session of nearly two hours, the interrogator indicated he had assessed 20 soldiers, with expectations that this number would continue to grow in the following days.
For ongoing updates regarding the situation in Syria, you can follow developments at https://apnews.com/hub/syria.
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