Damascus, Sept. 19 (SANA)Syrian Internal Security Forcesarrested Saturday former Maj. Gen. Ahmad Mohammad Ismail, a senior Republican Guard commander under the deposed regime.

In a statement, the Internal Security Forces said military records showed that Ismail had held several command positions. He began as a platoon commander and later commanded a company in the 2nd Battalion of the 101st Airborne Regiment before being promoted to the regiment’s operations chief in early 2016.

The statement said Ismail took a direct role in leading military attacks onAleppo,DaraaandEastern Ghouta.

According to the Internal Security Forces, Ismail later served as Republican Guard chief of staff for six months before being appointed deputy commander of the 14th Division specializing in airdrops for a year. He subsequently became commander of the division and remained in the post until Syria’s liberation.

The competent authorities are continuing their investigation to complete the necessary legal and judicial procedures against him, the statement said.