TheMilitary Intelligence Directorate (MID;Arabic:شعبة المخابرات العسكرية,romanized: Shu'bat al-Mukhabarat al-'Askariyya) was the military intelligence agency ofBa'athist Syria until 2024.[2] Although its roots go back to theFrench mandate period, the organization was established in 1969.[3][4] Its predecessor organization was called the Second Bureau.[3][4] It was headquartered at theDefense Ministry building inDamascus. The military intelligence agency was very influential in thepolitics of Ba'athist Syria.
The MID was responsible for providing clandestine and covert operations, counterinsurgency, counterintelligence, counter-revolutionary, counterterrorism, executive protection, military intelligence gathering on foreign and internal threats to the deposedGovernment of Syria, the formerSyrian Armed Forces or the national security of Syria, irregular warfare, and political warfare. The service also monitored opponents of the former government inside/outside Ba'athist Syria.[8]
MID was both a foreign intelligence gathering and a military security (counterintelligence) service. During theSyrian occupation of Lebanon, the Mukhabarat exercised political authority inLebanon. AfterCedar Revolution and Syrian withdrawal in 2005, it ended. It was suspected of providing logistic and material support to different Palestinian or Lebanese radical groups.[9]
Jameh Jameh (2011–2013), the European Union sanctioned him for being directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population inDeir ez-Zor andAbu Kamal during the Syrian uprising.[22]
Brig. Gen. Nawful Al-Husayn (2011), the European Union sanctioned him for being directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Idlib province during the Syrian uprising.[22] Accused of ordering or committing crimes against humanity.[25]
Muhammed Zamrini (2011), the European Union sanctioned him for being directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Homs during the Syrian uprising.[22] Accused of ordering or committing crimes against humanity.[25]
Brig. Gen.Louay al-Ali[29] (2011–8 December 2024), the European Union sanctioned him for being responsible for the violence against protesters in Daraa during the Syrian uprising.[22] Accused of ordering or committing crimes against humanity.[25]
