Media: Syria’s interim president appoints former rebel commander as intelligence chief

Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara has appointed Abdulqader Al Tahhan, a senior commander from his former rebel group, as head of intelligence in a move aimed at easing rivalries within the country’s security apparatus, sources told The National on July 15.

There has been no official announcement of the appointment. Al Tahhan previously led operations against forces loyal to Syria’s former government in Aleppo at the beginning of the 11-day offensive that ousted the regime in December 2024.

The offensive was led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), a former Al Qaeda affiliate founded and led by Al Shara.

Al Tahhan replaces Hussein Al Salama, who has been appointed head of the National Security Council. Al Salama is expected to retain access to Al Shara but will play a less direct role in the day-to-day management of Syria’s security affairs, according to the sources.

The reshuffle comes as Syria’s new government faces multiple security challenges and navigates complex relationships with foreign powers that support the country’s security forces but pursue different interests in Syria.

A regional source in contact with Syrian security officials said the changes appeared aimed at addressing competition between Al Salama and Interior Minister Anas Al Khattab. Al Khattab and Al Salama, along with Al Shara, were founders of the Nusra Front, the Al Qaeda affiliate that later became HTS.

“Al Shara made a smart move. Duplication was beginning to take place between the Interior Ministry and intelligence,” the source said, adding that Al Tahhan, who previously served as deputy interior minister, was close to Al Khattab.

One of the key issues handled by Al Tahhan was Sweida, a southern governorate and stronghold of Syria’s Druze minority. In July 2025, Israeli military intervention halted a government offensive aimed at subduing the largely Druze province, which remains surrounded by government forces.

Damascus has also restricted supplies to Sweida and backed a local faction opposed to Sheikh Hikmat Al Hijri, a prominent Druze spiritual leader who has led opposition to the government.

A Western diplomat who has met Al Tahhan described him as one of the “most sophisticated” security figures in Syria’s new system, saying he had demonstrated flexibility and a willingness to make decisions that others avoided for fear of angering senior officials.

By Sabina Mammadli