Military Intelligence Directorate (Syria)

The Military Intelligence Directorate (شعبة المخابرات العسكرية, Shu'bat al-Mukhabarat al-'Askariyya) is the military intelligence service of Syria. Although its roots go back to the French mandate period (1923–1943), its current organization was established in 1969. Its predecessor organisation was called the Deuxième Bureau (the Second Bureau). It is headquartered at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Damascus.

The military intelligence service, or the Mukhabarat in Arabic, is very influential in Syrian politics and is controlled by the President. It is suspected of providing support to different radical groups. Additionally, the service monitors dissidents of the government outside Syria. During the Syrian occupation of Lebanon, the Mukhabarat exercised political authority in Lebanon.

Late Assef Shawqat, the brother-in-law of Bashar Al-Assad, became director in 2005 replacing General Hassan Khalil. From 2009 to 2012, the military intelligence service was headed by Abdel-Fatah Qudsiyeh.

Heads of Military Intelligence

 * Ali Zaza (1965-1970)
 * Hikmat al-Shihabi (1970–1973)
 * Ali Duba (1973–2000)
 * Deputy director: Hassan Khalil (1993–2000)


 * Hassan Khalil (2000–2005)
 * Deputy director: Assef Shawkat (2000–2005)


 * Assef Shawkat (2005–2009)
 * Deputy director: Saeed Sammour (2005–2009)


 * Abdel-Fatah Qudsiyeh (2009–July 2012)
 * Head of Internal Affairs (branch 293): Rafiq Shahadah (2011), the European Union sanctioned him for "being directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Damascus during the Syrian uprising". Advisor to President Bashar Al-Assad for strategic questions and military intelligence.
 * Rafiq Shahadah (July 2012–present)

Regional Heads of Military Intelligence

 * Damascus countryside (branch 227): Maj. Gen. Rustum Ghazali (past–July 2012), the European Union sanctioned him for being involved in violence against the civilian population during the Syrian uprising. Accused of ordering or committing crimes against humanity by Human Rights Watch.
 * Damascus (branch 215): Brig. Gen. Sha’afiq (2012) accused of ordering or committing crimes against humanity.
 * Damascus (branch 235 a.k.a. "Palestine Branch"): Brig. Gen. Muhammad Khallouf (2012) accused of ordering or committing crimes against humanity.
 * Damascus (branch 291): Brig. Gen. Yousef Abdou (2012) accused of ordering or committing crimes against humanity.
 * Damascus (branch 291): Brig. Gen. Burhan Qadour (past–2012) accused of ordering or committing crimes against humanity.


 * Hama city branch: Mohammad Mufleh (2011), the European Union sanctioned him for being involved in the crackdown on demonstrators during the Syrian uprising.
 * Deir ez-Zor branch: Jami Jami (2011), the European union sanctioned him for being directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Dayr az-Zor and Alboukamal during the Syrian uprising.
 * Idlib (branch 271): Brig. Gen. Nawful Al-Husayn (2011), the European Union sanctioned him for being directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Idlib province during the Syrian uprising. Accused of ordering or committing crimes against humanity.
 * Homs branch: Muhammed Zamrini (2011), the European Union sanctioned him for being directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Homs during the Syrian uprising. Accused of ordering or committing crimes against humanity.
 * Daraa (branch 245): Col. Lu’ai al-Ali (2011), the European Union sanctioned him for being responsible for the violence against protesters in Daraa during the Syrian uprising. Accused of ordering or committing crimes against humanity.
 * Suwayda branch: Wafiq Nasser (2011), head of regional branch assumed position after Brig. Gen. Suheir Ramadan.

Paramilitary units

 * Military Security Shield Forces
 * Military Security Falcons
 * Southern Shield Brigade
 * Desert Commandos Regiment
 * Lions of Hamidiya
 * Forces of the Fighters of the Tribes
 * Falcons of the Euphrates

Other Syrian intelligence agencies

 * Air Force Intelligence Directorate
 * General Security Directorate
 * Political Security Directorate