Damascus, June 19 (SANA)Syrian internal security forces have arrested former Brigadier General Rafiq Ahmad Kalthoum as part of ongoing efforts to pursue those involved in crimes and violations against the Syrian people, theInterior Ministrysaid Friday.

According to the ministry, documented data show that Kalthoum rose through military ranks to become a brigadier general and held several sensitive command positions in the deposed regime’s forces.

In 2011, he served as chief of staff of the 116th Brigade in the Air Defense Administration in al-Qutayfah, before taking command of the same brigade in 2012.

In 2016, he was tasked with commanding the eastern countryside of the Salamiyah area, and in 2018 he was promoted to brigadier general and appointed commander of the central region with support from Brigadier General Asif al-Dakar, head of Officers Affairs “293” in Military Intelligence.

Investigations indicate his involvement in military operations since the outbreak of theSyrian revolution, including participation in managing several battles in Damascus province and its countryside, most notably the military offensive oneastern Ghoutain 2018, the ministry said.

The competent authorities are continuing investigation procedures with the detainee before referring his file to the competent judiciary for legal action, the ministry added.

The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by the Interior Ministry and relevant authorities to pursue and hold accountable officials of the deposed regime involved in crimes and violations against the Syrian people, based on the principle of ending impunity, achievingtransitional justiceand ensuring the rights of victims and their families.