Hossam Mohammad Louka (Arabic: حسام محمد لوقا) is a senior Syrian intelligence officer currently serving as the director of the Syrian General Intelligence Directorate. With a long career in Syrian security services, Louka has played a key role in Syria's intelligence community, notably during the Syrian civil war. He is known for his involvement in various security and intelligence operations within Syria and has held multiple leadership roles in the country's intelligence apparatus.
Hossam Louka | |
|---|---|
حسام لوقا | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1964 Khanasir, Aleppo Governorate, Syria |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Syria |
| Branch/service |  General Intelligence Directorate |
| Years of service | 1984– |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands | Director of General Intelligence Aleppo Political Security Branch Afrin Political Security Branch |
| Battles/wars | Syrian Civil War |
Early life
editLouka was born in town of Khanasir in the Aleppo Governorate, Louka enrolled in the Homs Military Academy to become a military officer. He graduated in 1984 and served at the Ministry of Interior as a lieutenant in Aleppo. He rose up the ranks in the Public Security Police and when he was promoted to the rank of colonel, he transferred to the Political Security Directorate, whose role was very limited in comparison with the other intelligence services of Syria. He served at the Aleppo Political Security Branch, where he became in charge of the Afrin Political Security Branch, before he was transferred to Damascus, where he held several positions in the city and the countryside.[1]
Career
editLouka's career within Syrian intelligence spans decades, involving numerous key roles in various branches of Syria's security services Prior to his current position, Louka held leadership roles in several branches of Syrian intelligence, including as the head of Syria's Political Security Directorate, a branch responsible for overseeing internal security and surveillance.[2][3]
Louka played a critical role in Syrian intelligence activities during the civil war, which began in 2011. His leadership in political security during the conflict led to his involvement in counter-insurgency operations, domestic intelligence gathering, and coordination with other Syrian security branches. His role in overseeing the response to opposition groups and protests has drawn significant scrutiny and criticism from international human rights organizations.[1]
In 2019, Hossam Louka was appointed as the director of the General Intelligence Directorate (GID), one of Syria's most powerful security branches. The GID, responsible for domestic and foreign intelligence operations, reports directly to Syria's leadership and is instrumental in monitoring opposition activity, managing security operations, and coordinating with regional allies.[1]
As the head of GID, Louka oversees intelligence operations critical to Syria's internal stability, diplomatic security, and counter-terrorism efforts. His role in this position reinforces his status as a key player within the country's intelligence and military establishment.[4]
Personal life
editLouka is a Sunni Muslim.
Louka has been subject to international sanctions by the United States, the European Union, and other entities due to his alleged involvement in human rights abuses, suppression of political opposition, and actions during the Syrian civil war. These sanctions typically freeze his assets and restrict travel, while underscoring the international community's stance on his role within Syria's controversial intelligence operations.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Who's Who: Major General Husam Muhammad Louka - The Syrian Observer". 2019-09-24. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ "والدها مدرج بقائمة العقوبات.. الأمم المتحدة توظف ابنة رئيس مخابرات بشار الأسد في أحد مكاتبها". الجزيرة نت (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ "Subscribe to read". www.ft.com. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help) - ^ "Romanian Intelligence Chief Visits Syria, Meets Bashar al-Assad with a Message - The Syrian Observer". 2024-04-18. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ "Sanctions List Search". sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-31.