January 28, 2026 — Dalena Reporters
Syrian authorities have announced the arrest of Ali Aziz Sbeira, described as a prominent leader of terrorist cells accused of orchestrating attacks on internal security checkpoints, the Syrian army and civilians during the unrest that followed the 2011 uprising, state media reported.
The Internal Security Directorate said Sbeira was captured in Lattakia Province, situated along Syria’s Mediterranean coastline, after a targeted security operation.
According to official accounts, Sbeira led and supplied arms to armed groups responsible for violent attacks, and was alleged to have violated civilians’ rights during the Syrian uprising against the former regime of President Bashar al‑Assad.
Sbeira is reported to have originated from the town of Jableh and to have had links with Ghiyath Dalla and Brigadier General Nours Makhlouf, two figures associated with the Assad era’s military leadership.
Officials say he joined the National Defense Militia after the 2011 uprising and later became part of the 4th Armoured Division — a unit commanded by Maher Assad, the brother of the former president — until the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024.
The arrest is part of ongoing security operations by Syrian authorities to pursue individuals linked to prolonged violence and armed conflict across the country.