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|---|---|
| أنس خطاب | |
| Head of the General Intelligence Directorate | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 26 December 2024 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1987 Jayrud, Rif Dimashq Governorate, Syria |
Anas Khattab (Arabic: أنس خطاب) is the current Head of the General Intelligence Directorate in Syria, a position got on 26 December 2024 as part of wider reallocation of positions after the fall of the Assad regime. He is also the Deputy Commander of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham under Abu Mohammad al-Julani, and the head of the General Security Apparatus within the group.
Early life and education
Anas Khattab, also known as "Abu Ahmad Hudoud", was born in 1987 in the town of Jayrud, located in the western Qalamoun region of Rif Dimashq, Syria. He initially studied architectural engineering at the University of Damascus before leaving Syria for Iraq in 2008. His departure was reportedly motivated by his intent to "fight against the American occupation" during that time.
Career
Khattab joined Jabhat al-Nusra (later Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham) in 2012 and quickly rose through its ranks. He became known for his strategic and intelligence capabilities, playing a critical role in securing the group's dominance in the Idlib region. He was instrumental in dismantling rival factions, including Hurras al-Din, by penetrating their ranks and orchestrating precision operations.
Khattab's career within Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham includes several high-profile positions:
- Former General Administrator of Jabhat al-Nusra
- Deputy to Abu Mohammad al-Julani
- Head of the General Security Apparatus
As the head of the General Security Apparatus, Khattab oversaw efforts to eliminate extremist factions such as ISIL in Idlib, employing sophisticated infiltration and rapid-response tactics. His leadership has been credited with maintaining relative stability in HTS-controlled areas.
Personal life
Khattab is reportedly multilingual and is known for his preference for operating behind the scenes. Despite his prominence, no public images of him have been released until his appointment on 26 December 2024. His professional background in architecture contrasts with the political and economic studies pursued by many of his contemporaries in Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham.
Controversies
Khattab has faced allegations of involvement in the assassination of rival jihadist leaders via U.S. drone strikes, accusations frequently leveled by factions such as Hurras al-Din. He has been designated as a terrorist by the United States in 2012, and the United Nations in 2014.