Ali Habib Mahmud (Arabic: علي حبيب محمود; 1 January 1939 – 20 March 2020) was a Syrian military officer who served as Syria's minister of defense from June 2009 to August 2011. As one of Syria's most celebrated generals,[1] he was part of President Bashar al-Assad's inner circle.[2]
Early life and education
Mahmud was born into an Alawite family on 1 January 1939 in Tartus[3][4] and joined the army in 1959.[5] In 1962, he graduated from the military academy.[3]
Career
Mahmud fought in Yom Kippur War against Israel. As a commander of the 1st Division, he also led forces against Israeli troops invading Lebanon in 1982, including the Battle of Sultan Yacoub.[6] He commanded 7th mechanized infantry in 1985.[4] In 1986, Mahmud became a general.[7] He also participated in the Gulf War as part of the international coalition that liberated Kuwait from Saddam Hussein's Iraq in 1991.[2] In 1994, he was appointed commander of the special forces.[5] In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of major general.[7] He was appointed deputy chief of staff in 2002. On 12 May 2004, he was appointed chief of general staff of the Syrian army and the armed forces.[3][8] He replaced Hasan Turkmani, who was appointed defense minister.[8] In addition, Mahmud was a member of the Baath Party.[7]
On 3 June 2009, PresidentBashar Assad appointed Mahmud as defense minister, replacing again Hasan Turkmani.[3][9] Mahmud's term ended on 8 August 2011, and he was replaced by Dawoud Rajha in the post.[5]
On 4 September 2013, the opposition wrongly claimed that Mahmud had defected and escaped to Turkey.[10] In fact, he remained in Syria.[1]
Sanctions
In May 2011, the United States accused Habib of human rights abuses, and announced a travel ban and asset freeze.[2]
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