Syrian President Fires Special Forces Chief
- Share via
<i> Associated Press</i>
NICOSIA, Cyprus — President Hafez Assad of Syria has removed the powerful commander of his army’s special forces, sources said Wednesday, possibly as part of a campaign to clean up Syria’s image in the West.
Some said Brig. Gen. Ali Haidar, who commanded the unit for more than a decade, has been placed under house arrest. Others said his whereabouts are unknown.
One source said Assad is trying to purge the military of officers who might not be amenable to a peace agreement with Israel.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
