Arrest of "Assad's Sniper" in Latakia.. Involvement in War Crimes and Mutilation of Corpses
The Syrian security forces in Latakia province managed to arrest Mohammad Dawood Nasser, nicknamed "Assad's Sniper," a former member of the regime forces involved in committing serious violations during the years of the crisis.
According to local sources, Nasser worked as a sniper in the ranks of the former regime forces, where he is accused of killing dozens of civilians. Syrian activists have accused him on social media of being one of the main tools of repression targeting Syrians, pointing to his commission of grave violations during his work in various areas.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior stated in a statement that the accused worked in the areas of "Jabal al-Turkman" and "Al-Zawiqaat" in "Jabal al-Akrad," and committed crimes that included mutilation of the victims' corpses. The statement also indicated his involvement in planning and executing the "Coastal Events," which witnessed sectarian violence targeting members of the Alawite sect.
The statement confirmed that Nasser led an armed group that attacked the "Al-Zubar" checkpoint in the countryside of Latakia, and targeted military and security points on March 6, making him involved in terrorist acts according to the official statement.
After the announcement of his arrest, Syrian activists circulated photos showing Nasser during his time in the regime forces, some showing him holding a sniper rifle, and others depicting him while mutilating the corpses of his victims. In one photo, he was found next to a human skull, while in another photo he was seen holding one of the jaws of a corpse.
Syrians expressed their welcome of his arrest, considering that his trial is an important step towards achieving transitional justice and holding accountable those involved in the crimes of the previous regime. They confirmed that such measures represent a glimmer of hope for a better future, provided that investigations are conducted fairly and end with the conviction of the criminals according to legal procedures.
