Suhayl al-Hasan

Suhayl al-Hasan, born on June 10, 1970, is a notable former Syrian military officer who rose to prominence as the commander of the Syrian Arab Army's Special Forces. His military journey began with his graduation from the Syrian Air Force Academy in 1991, where he honed his skills and completed various training courses within the Syrian Air Defence Force Command.

Throughout his career, al-Hasan served in multiple units, eventually transitioning to the Air Force Intelligence service. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in training personnel for the Special Operations Section, preparing them for the challenges that lay ahead.

During the tumultuous period of the Syrian Civil War, al-Hasan emerged as a key figure, leading his troops in significant operations such as Operation Canopus Star and the battle for the Shaer gas field. His leadership marked him as part of a new generation of field commanders who adapted to the evolving landscape of warfare in Syria.

In 2015, he was highlighted by the French newspaper Le Monde as a potential rival to President Bashar al-Assad, indicating his rising influence within the military hierarchy. Analysts noted his preference for aligning with Russia over Iran, contrasting with the views of Maher al-Assad, the head of Syria's Republican Guard.

Following the fall of the Assad regime in 2024, al-Hasan's fate took a dramatic turn as he went into hiding, reflecting the precarious nature of power dynamics in post-war Syria.