Syrian security arrests suspects behind rocket attacks in Damascus’ Mezzeh area

By Laith Al-Janidi

ISTANBUL (AA) – Syrian security forces have arrested those responsible for repeated rocket attacks targeting the Mezzeh area of the capital Damascus, including its military airport, Interior Minister Anas Khattab said Saturday.

“The criminals who carried out several attacks on Mezzeh and its military airport in desperate attempts to undermine security and stability are now in the custody of Syrian security forces,” Khattab said in a post on the US social media company X.

The Mezzeh neighborhood and its military airport on the western edge of Damascus have been hit by multiple rocket attacks in recent months, the latest of which occurred on Jan. 3, causing material damage.

At the time, no group claimed responsibility for the attacks, which came amid heightened security tensions linked to remnants of the former Bashar al-Assad regime, particularly in central and western parts of the country.

The arrests come as Syria’s new authorities step up efforts to restore security and consolidate control as part of broader plans to recover from years of war, advance reconstruction, and stabilize the country following the ouster of the Assad regime in late 2024.