Syrian President Fires Special Forces Chief
<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.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
