Syrian authorities have reportedly arrested Ali Kayali, better known as Mihrac Ural, a former pro-Assad militia leader accused of involvement in the 2013 Baniyas massacre, as he allegedly attempted to flee the country, according to a report attributed to Syria's state news agency SANA.

Ural led the Syrian Resistance militia, an armed group that supported the government of former President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian civil war.

He has long faced allegations of responsibility for atrocities committed in the coastal towns of Baniyas and al-Bayda in May 2013. He previously denied allegations concerning his involvement in the massacres.

Human Rights Watch documented the execution of at least 248 people by Syrian government forces and allied militias during operations in the two communities on May 2–3, 2013. The organization said the actual death toll was likely higher.

The reported detention follows the October 4 arrest of Jamal Traboulsi, a former deputy to Ural, whom Syrian authorities also accused of involvement in the 2013 killings.

The arrests form part of Syria's broader efforts to investigate alleged crimes committed during the Assad era, following the government's collapse in December 2024.

Why It Matters

If confirmed, Ural's arrest would represent a significant development in Syria's pursuit of accountability for wartime atrocities.

For survivors and relatives of the Baniyas victims, potential criminal proceedings could offer an opportunity to establish individual responsibility more than 13 years after the killings.

However, accountability will depend on credible investigations, evidence and fair judicial proceedings. Allegations against Ural have not been established by a final court judgment.