The Syrian transitional government led by Muhammad al Julani has appointed Hussein Abdullah Salama as the new director of the General Intelligence Organization, replacing former chief Anas Khattab in a late Saturday announcement.
Profile of the New Intelligence Chief
Born in 1984 in Al-Shuhayl, Deir ez-Zor province, Salama hails from the prominent Al-Akidat tribe. After completing his secondary education locally, he graduated from the Technical Observers Institute before joining Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s militant wing during Syria’s civil war, where he rose to become a senior commander.
Following the fall of the Assad regime, Salama transitioned to politics, briefly serving as interim governor for Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Hasakah provinces before resigning within a month to return to military operations. His recent role as head of a five-member security negotiation committee (March 2025) following the Syria-SDF reconciliation deal demonstrated his evolving political-military balance.
Strategic Implications
This appointment signals Julani’s push to restructure Syria’s security apparatus after the dissolution of legacy intelligence branches. Analysts note Salama’s field experience in counterinsurgency and tribal relations could prove critical in stabilizing regions formerly under SDF or ISIS control.
However, his controversial militant past may complicate relations with international stakeholders. The move coincides with reports of intensified counter-terror operations along the Iraqi border and renewed efforts to reintegrate former opposition-held territories.
“Salama’s tribal roots and combat background make him a pragmatic choice for navigating Syria’s complex security landscape,” a Damascus-based researcher said, “but his appointment underscores the transitional government’s reliance on figures with militant pedigrees.”
The intelligence shakeup follows Julani’s broader reforms, including the creation of a new domestic security framework expected to prioritize counter-terrorism and tribal reconciliation.