Ali Habib Mahmud

Ali Habib Mahmud (علي حبيب محمود) (born 1 January 1939) is a Syrian military officer who served as Syria's minister of defense from June 2009 to August 2011. He was part of Assad's inner circle. In September 2013, the Syrian opposition claimed that he defected and is now staying in Turkey.

Early life and education
Mahmud was born into an Alawite family on 1 January 1939 in Tartus and joined the army in 1959. In 1962, he graduated from the military academy.

Career
Mahmud fought in the 1973 October War against Israel. He also led forces against Israeli troops invading Lebanon in 1982. He commanded 7th mechanized infantry in 1985. In 1986, Mahmud became a general. He also participated in the Gulf War as part of the international coalition to liberate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein's Iraq in 1990. In 1994, he was appointed commander of the special forces. In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of major general. He was appointed deputy chief of staff in 2002. On 12 May 2004, he was appointed chief of general staff of the Syrian army and the armed forces. He replaced Hasan Turkmani, who was appointed defense minister. In addition, Mahmud is a member of the Baath Party.

On 3 June 2009, president Bashar Assad appointed Mahmud as defense minister, replacing again Hasan Turkmani. Mahmud's term ended on 8 August 2011, and he was replaced by Dawoud Rajha in the post.

On 4 September 2013, opposition claimed that Mahmud had defected to the opposition and escaped to Turkey.

Sanctions
In May 2011, the United States accused Habib of human rights abuses, and announced a travel ban and asset freeze.