Statements or reports released by the US Department of Defense or other verified international bodies

Syrian Rebel Leader to Dissolve Assad's Forces, Secure Chemical Weapons, Pursue Torturers

Dec 11, 2024, 10:15 PM

Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has announced plans to dissolve the security forces of Bashar al-Assad's toppled regime and close notorious prisons. Al-Sharaa stated that his forces are working with international organizations to secure potential chemical weapons sites in Syria. He also mentioned that anyone involved in the torture or killing of detainees during Assad's rule will be pursued, and amnesties are not an option. The U.S. Department of Defense has welcomed these statements, expressing concern over the potential misuse of chemical weapons in the region.