The former Grand Mufti of Syria was arrested at the airport

The Syrian security forces arrested former Grand Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Badriddin Hassoun at Damascus International Airport. The religious figure was attempting to flee the country. This was reported by Al Mayadeyen.

It is reported that Sheikh Hassoun was heading to Umm and was supposed to undergo emergency surgery there. He had previously expressed his desire to travel to Jordan for treatment to the authorities. However, he was arrested just a few minutes after arriving at the airport's VIP lounge.

Raids are being conducted to capture supporters of former President Bashar Assad who are hiding in Damascus. Several individuals were detained during the special operation. Weapons, ammunition, and explosive devices were found among them.

Clashes between Assad supporters and Syrian forces

In March, armed clashes began between Alawites, who are supporters of Assad, and the new Syrian government in the provinces of Latakia, Tartus, Hama, and Homs. The total number of casualties exceeded 1,300, with more than a thousand being civilians. The security forces' raids concluded on March 10. A representative of the Syrian Ministry of Defense, Hasan Abdul Ghani, stated that the government security forces succeeded in "neutralizing the remnants of the overthrown Bashar Assad regime from outside" and stabilizing the situation.

After that, the new Syrian government appealed to the Russian government with a request to extradite Assad. According to Al Arabiya and Al Hadath publications, President Ahmad ash-Shara’a is demanding his arrest for trial. Meanwhile, Russia is currently refusing to comply with the request, considering it "not an insurmountable obstacle to restoring relations between the two countries."

On March 24, 15 fighters from Assad's supporters were captured in the mountainous areas along the border of Latakia and Idlib provinces.
Photo: AFP