Syria Arrests Ex-Officer Accused of Producing Sarin Bombs for 2013-2017 Attacks
Syria Arrests Former Officer Over Sarin Bomb Production
Syrian authorities have arrested a former military officer accused of supervising the production of sarin-filled bombs used in chemical attacks between 2013 and 2017, opening a legal process that rights advocates say could expose the wider structure behind Syria's chemical weapons program. [1] Syrian authorities arrested former military officer Col. Ahmad Habib Ali on these accusations. [1] The arrest follows increased cooperation by Syria's new authorities with the OPCW, which recently adopted decisions on remnants of the former chemical weapons program. [1]
Details of the Accused's Position and the Investigation
The Syrian Interior Ministry said Col. Ahmad Habib Ali, a former chemical weapons specialist, headed a department at the Scientific Studies and Research Center and oversaw sarin storage and chemical production at Unit 417. [1] Preliminary investigations indicate Ali supervised the production of about 20 aerial bombs, each containing roughly 250 kilograms of sarin, authorities said. [1] The munitions were allegedly used against Syrian towns and cities from 2013 to 2017. [1] The investigation remains underway before the case is referred to the judiciary. [1] Syrian Interior Ministry sources declined to provide details beyond the official statement, while a Syrian Justice Ministry source said the case remained with the relevant authorities. [1]
Calls for Broader Accountability
Syrian lawyer Louay al-Hassani stated the arrest represented "the beginning of the judicial process, not its conclusion." [1] Investigators must collect evidence and question witnesses and experts before determining whether the case should proceed to trial, he said. [1] Fadel Abdulghany, executive director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights, called the arrest "an important and positive step toward accountability" but warned that one prosecution alone would not constitute justice. [1] He said chemical attacks involved an organized military and security structure and called for investigations across the chain of command. [1] Abdulghany also urged cooperation with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism. [1]
Victim Perspective and Potential Charges
For Rua, who lost both parents in the August 21, 2013, sarin attack on Eastern Ghouta, the arrest offered a possible path toward answers: "The arrest won't bring them back," she stated. "But maybe it's the beginning of finding the truth." [1] Potential charges could include murder and participation in the use of prohibited weapons, as well as war crimes or crimes against humanity if supported by evidence. [1]
Islamophobic Stabbing in Utah Mall
A Muslim mall worker was stabbed more than 15 times in Utah in an Islamophobic attack where the suspect admitted to targeting the victim "with the intent to kill him" because of his faith. [2] Syed Sohail Uddin, 37, was working at a kiosk inside Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City when he was repeatedly stabbed. [2] Police arrested 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen, with court records saying that he told investigators he had targeted Uddin because he was Muslim. [2] Uddin survived the attack but remains in critical condition after sustaining more than 15 stab wounds. [2] Witnesses said Larsen approached Uddin while he was working. [2] According to Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center, who had been in contact with Uddin’s family, the suspect approached Uddin, asked his name and religion, and requested a bottle of water. [2] As Uddin turned to retrieve it, the suspect began stabbing him. [2] Luna Nunez, who was working at a nearby jewellery store, said she heard Uddin screaming and rushed to help. [2] “I was throwing anything I could, shoes, a chair, anything,” she stated. “He was stabbing him so viciously. I was scared for his life. I was just scared. I thought he was going to die.” [2] Other shoppers and mall employees intervened during the stabbing, managing to wrestle the knife from Larsen and restrain him until police arrived, according to court records. [2] Larsen was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and carrying a prohibited dangerous weapon. [2] According to a police booking affidavit, Larsen told investigators that he had “targeted the victim with intent to kill him because of his religion.” [2] Court documents said he also described himself as a “catalyst” and told officers that he intended “to kill Muslims.” [2] Investigators said Larsen posed “a substantial danger to the public,” citing his violent conduct, ideology and references to “pre-planned mass casualty events” targeting Muslims. [2] The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the attack and called on elected officials and community leaders to confront rhetoric that demonises Muslims. [2] “This horrific attack is yet another reminder that anti-Muslim rhetoric has real-world consequences. When Muslims are routinely demonised, portrayed as threats, or treated as less deserving of equal rights and dignity, some twisted individuals inevitably act on that hatred,” CAIR national executive director Nihad Awad said. [2]
Fraud Ringleader Extradited from Somalia
One of the alleged ringleaders of the massive Feeding Our Future pandemic relief fraud scheme in Minnesota has been brought back to the United States to face charges, authorities said. [3] Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, 42, of Burnsville, Minnesota, was arrested on June 26 in Somalia and extradited back to the U.S. on Thursday, the FBI said. [3] Federal prosecutors allege Eidleh was the mastermind who bilked taxpayers out of $250 million by exploiting federal child nutrition programs meant to feed vulnerable children. [3] Authorities have described it as one of the largest fraud cases in Minnesota history. [3] "Today is a historic moment in the FBI’s war on fraud," said FBI Director Kash Patel. [3] "The Foreign Transfer of Custody of Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh brings to justice one of the alleged ringleaders of the $250 million ‘Feeding our Future’ fraud scandal out of Minnesota—where the FBI has already helped secure over 70 guilty pleas from fraudsters in partnership with the Justice Department." [3] Eidleh faces 31 counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, federal programs bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. [3] Federal prosecutors said Eidleh was an employee of the Feeding Our Future nonprofit, responsible for recruiting and supporting Federal Child Nutrition Program sites under Feeding Our Future’s sponsorship. [3] He and other FOF employees allegedly solicited and received bribes and kickbacks from people and companies seeking approval to operate fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program sites. [3] Prosecutors also said Eidleh created Federal Child Nutrition Program sites using nominee owners, then falsely claimed the sites were serving meals to thousands of children each day. [3] "These are individuals who stole critical, taxpayer-funded resources from kids in need during the COVID pandemic—and Eidleh was allegedly right at the top of the operation," Patel said. [3] According to prosecutors, Eidleh deposited more than $5 million in fraud proceeds, kickbacks, and bribes into accounts associated with shell companies he created in an effort to conceal the source of the money. [3] In 2022, Eidleh fled the U.S., Patel said, noting that criminals should be aware that "no matter where you try to hide, we will find you." [3]
What to watch next: The Syrian investigation into Col. Ahmad Habib Ali remains underway before referral to the judiciary, while the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office continues reviewing the Utah stabbing case and federal prosecutors advance the 31 counts against Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh.
