Inside Syria's Air Force Intelligence: Torture and Despair

The Air Force Intelligence branch in Syria is known for instilling fear and despair among the populace, especially when a family member is detained by this security agency. Established under Hafez al-Assad, it played a significant role during the violent repression of the 1980s in Hama and has continued to be a symbol of terror. Following the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, military officials have entered the facility, uncovering the harsh realities faced by detainees. Many who were imprisoned shared their harrowing stories, revealing how thousands faced torture and were often vanished without a trace. Conditions within the branch were horrifying - both solitary confinement and torture methods were prevalent. Detainees, including minors, endured systematic abuse. Some recounted cases of people being executed on a seemingly regular basis, with family members unable to get any information about their loved ones. The fear of disappearing into the branch meant that many, like one man who spent 13 years detained, spent agonizing time without knowing if their families were aware they were alive. These stories paint a grim picture of the legacy of torture that once flourished in this intelligence agency. Overall, the number of prisoners and the brutality faced within these walls serve as a stark reminder of the repercussions of dissent in Syria. The accounts of former detainees highlight the urgent need to confront these human rights violations and seek justice for the countless victims of this oppressive regime.