Syrian authorities have arrested two senior officials from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) group in Damascus, Palestinian media reported. The move comes amid increasing U.S. pressure on Syria to curb the activities of Palestinian factions within its territory.
PIJ confirmed the arrest of Khaled Khaled, its top official in Syria, and Abu Ali Yasser, head of the group’s executive committee in the country.
In a statement, PIJ’s military wing, the Al-Quds Brigades, said the two were detained “without explanation” and “in a manner we would not have hoped to see from our brothers.” The group demanded their immediate release.
The arrest follows the release of U.S.-outlined conditions for the temporary easing of sanctions on Syria.
According to documents cited by Al Majalla, the conditions include publicly banning all Palestinian armed and political activities, deporting group members to “ease Israeli concerns,” and allowing U.S. counterterrorism operations within Syria.
These conditions were reportedly discussed during a March meeting between U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Natasha Franceschi and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
PIJ has long operated in Syria, with past support from the Assad regime. Its leader, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, was based in Syria until late 2023 when he reportedly fled after increased Israeli airstrikes and concerns for his safety.
Israel has repeatedly targeted PIJ members in Syria. A March 2025 strike targeted al-Nakhalah’s former home, which the group said had been empty for years.
