Syrian armed group leader arrested in UAE
The Syrian armed group, Jaish al-Islam announced that Emirati authorities arrested its leader upon his arrival at Dubai airport, as his followers called for his release in Damascus.
Issam Buwaydani has led Jaish al-Islam since 2015, after the killing of its founder Zahran Alloush, Al-Monitor via AFP reported on April 28th. The group once controlled Eastern Ghouta and fought against former leader Bashar al-Assad.
After Assad’s ousting in December, Syria’s new leadership declared that armed factions had been dissolved. Jaish al-Islam joined the national forces, and Buwaydani assumed a role in the defense ministry.
Two sources close to him told AFP that authorities detained Buwaydani on April 24th at Dubai airport. They said he travelled using a Turkish passport and was visiting the UAE on a private trip.
One of them stated: “We do not know the reasons for his arrest,” and added that “the Syrian government has been in contact with the Emirates” without receiving a response. However, it is suggested that the arrest is linked to a warrant issued by Interpol, The New Arab reported on April 27th.
Chief military spokesman Jaish al-Islam, Hamza Bayraqdar, urged for “the immediate and unconditional release” of Buwaydani, referring to him as “one of the symbols of the Syrian revolution.” The UAE has not confirmed the arrest.
Dozens of supporters rallied in Umayyad Square, Damascus. Protester Abu Khaled Nassif told AFP: “I am demonstrating here to send a message to the UAE and to the new Syrian government, to demand the release of the heroic leader Issam Buwaydani.”
Buwaydani has appeared alongside Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led the coalition that toppled Assad. Meanwhile, ex-Jaish al-Islam member Majdi Nema faces trial in France over purported involvement in war crimes.
Al-Monitor via AFP, The New Arab
