A cousin of the former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, Atef Najib, has been detained in the Latakia region of Syria, a stronghold for loyalists of the Assad family. Najib's involvement in suppressing the 2011 pro-democracy protests led to his detention, as he was head of the regime's Political Security Branch in Deraa at the time.
The protests in 2011 began after children in Deraa were arrested and tortured for writing anti-regime graffiti. Despite pleas from parents and local representatives, the children were subjected to horrific treatment, sparking widespread outrage and further demonstrations against the Assad regime.
Najib, who had been sanctioned by the US and EU for his role in the violent crackdown on protests, is now considered one of those responsible for crimes against the Syrian people. The Assad dynasty's autocratic rule was characterized by decades of fighting, bloodshed, and political oppression, leading to a brutal civil war that claimed over 300,000 lives and displaced millions.
Syria's newly inducted interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has vowed to pursue justice against those who have committed atrocities during the conflict. Al-Sharaa, a former al Qaeda member whose coalition forces played a key role in toppling Assad's regime, aims to restore civil peace and rebuild a country torn apart by years of war.
The UN has reported that more than 6 million Syrians have fled the country, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis resulting from the prolonged conflict. As Syria looks towards a new chapter under transitional leadership, the challenges of reconciliation, reconstruction, and healing the wounds of war loom large on the horizon.
