Syrian authorities have detained Amjad Youssef, accused of playing a central role in the 2013 Tadamon massacre that reportedly left at least 41 people dead. A leaked 2022 video appears to show Youssef shooting blindfolded, bound detainees and triggered public outrage. Human Rights Watch found remains consistent with execution in December 2024 and urged preservation of evidence, while several other suspects have been arrested and some have confessed.
Amjad Youssef Arrested Over 2013 Tadamon Massacre After Leaked Footage Sparked Outcry
The Syrian Interior Ministry shows a picture of Amjad Youssef, arrested in a security operation in the Hama countryside [Via Syrian Interior Ministry on X]
Syrian authorities say they have arrested Amjad Youssef, the principal suspect in the 2013 Tadamon massacre in Damascus, in which at least 41 people were killed.
The interior ministry said Youssef was detained following a "tightly executed security operation" after days of surveillance and tracking across the Al-Ghab Plain in Hama. Video shared widely on social media appears to show his arrest: he is seen handcuffed on the floor and later inside a vehicle surrounded by security personnel, with blood visible on his face.
Allegations and Evidence
Youssef, an intelligence officer who served under former president Bashar al-Assad and led security operations in southern Damascus during the uprising, has been accused of multiple crimes against civilians. In 2022 a leaked video surfaced that appears to show Syrian forces committing abuses; in this footage Youssef’s face is clearly visible as a person fires on detained, blindfolded and bound civilians. The clip was reportedly recorded by a military recruit and is date-stamped April 16, 2013 — the day of the Tadamon massacre.
Public Reaction and Investigations
The video's publication provoked international outrage and prompted some families to identify relatives shown being killed. In August 2023, German police arrested Ahmed al-Harmouni, an associate of Youssef, following a three-year probe conducted in cooperation with the Syrian Centre for Justice and Accountability. Since the video emerged, several other suspects allegedly linked to the Tadamon killings have been detained and some have reportedly confessed.
Human Rights Watch visited the Tadamon neighbourhood in December 2024 and reported finding human remains that showed signs consistent with execution, urging transitional authorities to secure and preserve potential evidence of war crimes.
Authorities have not immediately released full details about Youssef’s legal status or any formal charges. Reports say Youssef went into hiding after developments in December 2024, and the new Syrian authorities have launched a campaign to pursue figures from the former leadership while public fundraising efforts have sought information leading to suspects.
Note: Reporting on events and accountability processes remains ongoing. The information above reflects official statements and investigative reporting available at the time of publication.
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