Who is Hussam Abdullah Salameh? Get to know the new head of the Syrian General Intelligence Directorate.

In a strategic move as part of the plan to restructure the security institutions in Syria, Hussein Abdullah Al-Salameh has been appointed as the head of the Syrian General Intelligence Directorate. Al-Salameh, hailing from the town of Al-Shahil in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, is considered one of the prominent figures in the Syrian scene, with roles ranging from military to political, and distinguished by his significant influence in the eastern region. Before becoming the head of intelligence, Al-Salameh was a prominent leader in "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham," holding various leadership and administrative positions during the years of the Syrian revolution. Despite his wide influence in the military wing of the organization, Al-Salameh later chose to transition to political and administrative work. In 2025, he was tasked with managing the provinces of Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Hasakah after the collapse of the regime, but resigned shortly after, citing the complexities of tribal and administrative realities in the eastern region, which posed difficult challenges to his continuation in the position. Al-Salameh's role was not limited to military and administrative work; he became a pivotal figure in the negotiations between the Syrian state and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), leading many important negotiation rounds, seeking to achieve the unity of Syrian territories and build national consensus, a highly sensitive task amidst international and local complexities. Belonging to the Al-Akidat tribe, one of the largest tribes in Deir ez-Zor and Syria, enhanced his social status and gave him a wide-ranging influence at the local and national levels. In addition to his prominent role in politics and negotiations, his appointment to this position reflects a remarkable shift in his career, transitioning from military work to leadership roles in government and security agencies, raising widespread questions about the transformations occurring in the Syrian scene in the upcoming phase.