Syrian president appoints new intelligence, security chiefs

DAMASCUS — Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Sunday announced a series of senior security appointments, naming new leaders for the National Security Bureau and the General Intelligence Service as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security institutions.According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Sharaa appointed Interior Minister Anas Khattab as head of the National Security Bureau while retaining him as interior minister.Abdul Qader Tahan was named head of the General Intelligence Service.Sharaa also appointed Hussein Al-Salama as deputy head of the National Security Bureau and Mulham Al-Shantout as assistant interior minister for security affairs.The National Security Bureau oversees Syria’s security agencies, while the General Intelligence Service is responsible for intelligence gathering, national security assessments on domestic and foreign issues, and countering espionage and terrorism.The appointments come as the transitional administration continues efforts to strengthen national security, promote stability and support reconstruction.Former President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia in December 2024 after nearly 25 years in power, ending the Baath Party’s decades-long rule that began in 1963. A transitional administration led by Sharaa was formed in January 2025.