The Syrian transitional government, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has appointed Anas Khattab as the head of the General Intelligence Directorate.

Khattab, also known by his alias Abu Ahmad Hdud, is a senior figure in HTS and has been designated as a terrorist by the United Nations Security Council since 2014 for his association with al-Qaeda and it’s affiliates in Iraq and Syria.

The UNSC’s sanctions list accuses him of facilitating financial and logistical support for al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria, including organizing weapons supplies.

Khattab’s appointment aligns with HTS’s ongoing efforts to restructure state institutions after their rapid offensive in late November, which led to their control over the provinces of Idlib, Aleppo, and Damascus, and ultimately, the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s government.

On December 10, HTS appointed Mohammed al-Bashir as the prime minister of their transitional government, tasked with managing the country during the interim period, expected to last until March 2025.

Khattab participated in recent high-level discussions in Damascus alongside HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) and Iraqi Intelligence Service Head al-Shatri, focusing on regional security and border control. 

The transitional government is currently facing significant challenges in maintaining stability as sectarian tensions escalate in Syria. HTS has been accused of desecrating an Alawite shrine in Aleppo, leading to widespread protests across Alawite-majority areas, including Latakia, Tartus, Homs, Hama, and Qardaha.