The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Sunday that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed Abdul Qader Tahan as head of the General Intelligence as part of a new package of appointments in security institutions.

Al-Sharaa issued a new package of appointments in security institutions, which included a number of leadership positions, and included the appointment of Engineer Anas Khattab as director of the National Security Office, in addition to his duties as Minister of Interior.

It also included the appointment of Hussein al-Salama as assistant to the director of the National Security Office, and the appointment of Milhem al-Shantout as assistant to the Minister of Interior for security affairs.

Tahan is considered one of the security and military figures who emerged during the years of the Syrian war. He had served as Deputy Minister of Interior, after a career in security and military work, before moving to head the General Intelligence Service, according to media reports.

Al-Sharaa had issued a decree in February 2026 appointing Tahan as Deputy Minister of Interior, as part of the restructuring of the state's security and administrative institutions.