Headline: Syrian Military Leader Issam Buwaydani Apparented Arrest in Dubai
Syrian armed faction reports military commander's detention in United Arab Emirates.
In a surprising turn of events, Issam Buwaydani, known as the head of Jaish al-Islam, a formidable rebel group opposed to Bashar al-Assad in Syria, has allegedly been detained in Dubai. This unexpected incident took place in April 2025, contrary to a misleading report circulating the web that pegged his arrest back to 2021 likely due to a typographical or dating error [1][3].
Though the reasons for Buwaydani's detainment remain elusive, sources close to him have communicated his arrest at Dubai Airport. He entered the UAE with a Turkish passport, yet the mysterious circumstances surrounding his arrest have left those close to him in the dark [3]. Reports state that the Syrian government has reached out to the Emirati authorities; however, they've yet to receive a response [3].
Jaish al-Islam's chief military spokesman, Hamza Bayraqdar, pleaded for "the immediate and unconditional release" of Buwaydani via the popular messaging app, Telegram, referring to him as "one of the symbols of the Syrian revolution" [3]. The UAE government has kept mum about the matter despite welcoming key Syrian figures in recent weeks, like interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Responding to Buwaydani's detention, a demonstration was organized in Damascus' Umayyad Square by Syrian supporters. Demonstrators urged their government to exert pressure on the UAE for Buwaydani's release, going as far as to describe him as a "heroic leader" [3].
Buwaydani assumed command of Jaish al-Islam following the death of its founder, Zahran Alloush, in 2015. During the Syrian conflict, he had a notable presence and was frequently seen alongside Ahmed al-Sharaa [2]. Recent reports also indicate that a former member of Jaish al-Islam, Majdi Nema, will stand trial in France this week due to alleged involvement in war crimes committed in Syria between 2013 and 2016.
Historically, Jaish al-Islam has been scrutinized for events like the 2013 kidnapping of four Syrian human rights activists, including lawyer and journalist Razan Zeitouneh. The group has consistently denied the alleged involvement [2]. Despite his contested history, Buwaydani's arrest has undeniably sparked concern and solidarity from his followers.
As the situation continues to unfold, questions about Buwaydani's detention and the reasons behind it linger in the air.
[1] Dubai arrest of Issam al-Buwaydani: Fact-checking misinformationhttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/23/dubai-arrest-of-issam-al-buwaydani-fact-checking-misinformation
[2] Issam al-Buwaydani Opens fundraiser campaign to support Syrian youthhttps://www.anadoluagency.com/en/news/8591213
[3] Issam al-Buwaydani reportedly detained while leaving UAE, raising concerns among his followershttps://www.middleeasteye.net/news/issam-al-buwaydani-detained-leaving-uae
- The arrest of Syrian military leader Issam Buwaydani, a symbol of the Syrian revolution, has sparked concern among his followers, especially after it was revealed he was held in Dubai in April 2025.
- A former member of Jaish al-Islam, Majdi Nema, will stand trial in France this week due to alleged involvement in war-and-conflicts-related crimes committed in Syria between 2013 and 2016.
- In politics and general news, Jaish al-Islam, the rebel group led by Buwaydani, has been involved in various controversies, including the 2013 kidnapping of four Syrian human rights activists.
- Despite the UAE government's silence on the matter, a demonstration was organized in Damascus' Umayyad Square by Syrian supporters, urging their government to exert pressure on the UAE for Buwaydani's release, characterizing him as a "heroic leader."
- France, while dealing with war crimes allegations against a former member of Jaish al-Islam, is also a country where politics and human rights play crucial roles in shaping the overall climate of the nation.
