The Story of Syrian General Suhayl al-Hasan, Nicknamed “The Tiger”
And his young male lovers.
- 6 min
Early Years and Background
Suhayl al-Hasan was born in 1970 in Syria’s Latakia province.
Al-Hasan is an Alawite. The Alawites are a religious community associated with the Shiite branch of Islam. Their doctrine includes elements of Islam, Christianity, and certain ancient Near Eastern traditions. Alawites make up a significant share of Latakia’s population — the region al-Hasan comes from. In Syria, members of this community have traditionally held prominent positions in the army and state institutions.
Unlike orthodox Islam, which strictly condemns homosexuality, Alawite attitudes on this issue are often described as less categorical. Their religious practices and worldview are frequently portrayed as comparatively liberal and tolerant. This is sometimes linked to the fact that, in Alawite tradition, greater emphasis is placed on inner spirituality and symbolism than on strict observance of external rules.
Suhayl al-Hasan graduated from the Syrian Arab Air Force Academy in 1991. After graduation, he served in various Air Force units and within the air defense command.
He was later transferred to the Air Force intelligence service, where, according to available reports, he developed a reputation as a careful analyst. Al-Hasan worked on identifying and disrupting terrorist networks. It is claimed that he infiltrated Al-Qaeda structures operating in Syria, which in the 2000s contributed to the arrests of a number of members of that organization. As a result, he acquired a reputation as one of the most reliable and decisive officers in Syria’s security services.
Personal Life and Family Ties
Suhayl al-Hasan is married. Rumor has it he has a son whom he has not seen since the start of Syria’s civil war.
Colleagues and subordinates describe Suhayl as exceptionally serious: he rarely jokes and remains fully focused on service. Al-Hasan is often characterized as an operator who maintains unquestioning loyalty to the ruling regime.
Al-Hasan is known for an interest in poetry, which he has reportedly used for practical purposes. It has been reported that he recited his own poems over loudspeakers, addressing opponents and warning them about the consequences of refusing to surrender. He says he gives enemies a chance to capitulate, but shows no mercy if, in his view, they continue to resist or violate agreements.
Suhayl al-Hasan gained high standing among supporters of the Syrian government due to his perceived effectiveness in combat. His successes and tactical reputation made him a visible symbol of pro-regime forces. Over time, elements of a personality cult developed: his image has appeared on cars and billboards.
At present, he is considered one of the most influential generals in the Syrian army, second perhaps only to Maher al-Assad, the brother of President Bashar al-Assad.
Relationships With Men
Suhayl al-Hasan is known for close relationships with his nearest companions and… boyfriends?.. whom he is often seen taking with him on trips. In a number of photos — taken both at the front and in civilian settings — he can be seen showing affection toward them, including hugging or kissing.
One of al-Hasan’s alleged boyfriends was Ahmed Khalaf. He accompanied the general for many years, until his death in 2019. Khalaf was killed at the front in Idlib province, after stepping on a mine.
Al-Hasan and Ahmed Khalaf
It is difficult to state Suhayl al-Hasan’s sexual orientation with certainty. In Arab culture, expressions of closeness between men — including hugs or kisses — are often understood as signs of friendship, brotherhood, and loyalty, without romantic meaning.
There is no definitive answer as to whether this aspect of al-Hasan’s behavior is connected to his orientation, because no reliable confirmation has been presented either way. The question remains open.
Al-Hasan and Ahmed Khalaf
Military Career and Role in the Civil War
With the start of Syria’s civil war, Suhayl al-Hasan assumed a prominent role in military operations. In 2011, while holding the rank of colonel, he led operations against Al-Qaeda militants on the outskirts of Latakia. By 2013, his successes against opposition groups drew the attention of the central command, which, according to reports, became the basis for recommendations to move him to more important fronts.
During the war, al-Hasan took part in a number of major operations. In these clashes, according to many accounts, harsh methods of warfare were used, including scorched-earth tactics. After devastating strikes, troops moved to “clearing” operations, advancing from house to house. Such a strategy could crush remaining resistance, but it was accompanied by significant civilian casualties.
In 2013, al-Hasan formed an elite unit known as the Tiger Forces. This formation became known for large-scale offensives, including the sieges of Aleppo and Eastern Ghouta. These campaigns involved severe destruction of infrastructure and the deaths of thousands of civilians. In addition, al-Hasan is accused of using chemical weapons during these operations. His actions prompted condemnation from the international community and led to sanctions, including over mass human rights violations.
Despite criticism, Suhayl al-Hasan retained the trust of Syria’s leadership. His methods of suppressing uprisings are described as brutal but effective, which enabled him to maintain his status as one of the most influential commanders. The Tiger Forces became an important instrument of the regime in the fight for control over strategically significant regions of the country.
The Tiger Forces Unit and International Ties
Suhayl al-Hasan’s unit, known as the Tiger Forces, receives substantial support from Russia. Soldiers in this formation are reportedly equipped primarily with Russian weapons and hardware. Russian military advisers are also said to participate in training the units, underscoring al-Hasan’s close engagement with Moscow.
Experts note that al-Hasan views Russia as the Syrian government’s key ally, which distinguishes him from some military and political figures oriented toward Iran.
The French newspaper Le Monde called al-Hasan a potential rival to Bashar al-Assad in a struggle for leadership in Syria. His popularity within the military and the personality cult that formed around him — reinforced by success on the battlefield — have fueled speculation about a more significant political role in the future.
Al-Hasan is under U.S. sanctions, which accuse him of involvement in war crimes and human rights abuses. These measures limit his financial activity and contacts with international structures, but, as observers note, they do not weaken his position inside Syria.
Recent Events and Current Status
On April 9, 2024, Major General Suhayl al-Hasan was appointed commander of the Special Forces of the Syrian Arab Army.
With the start of new fighting in late November 2024, the Syrian regime sent a significant number of troops — including special units under Suhayl al-Hasan’s command — to strategically important areas in Hama and around it, to contain an Islamist advance from Aleppo.
According to rebel officials, at least one drone strike on December 2, 2024, hit a group of military officials in the northern part of the city of Hama near the front line. A rebel spokesman calling himself Ali al-Rifa‘i said that one of the targets was General Suhayl al-Hasan. It is known that he survived.
After that, he reportedly fled to Moscow following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. In 2025, the European Union imposed sanctions on him.
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- Syria