Asim Hawari
Syrian Air Force officer (born c. 1970s)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Asim Rashid al-Hawari (عاصم راشد الحواري; born c. 1970s), also known by his kunya Abu al-Qasim Beit Jann, is a Syrian Air Force officer who has served as the commander of the Syrian Air Force since March 2025. He is considered a close ally of Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa.[1]
Syria (2024–present)
-
- Syrian opposition (2011–2024)
Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (until 2025)
Syrian Air ForceAsim Hawari | |
|---|---|
عاصم حواري | |
| Commander of the Syrian Air Force | |
| Assumed office 1 March 2025 | |
| President | Ahmed al-Sharaa |
| Preceded by | Mohammed Dib Zeitoun |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
Formerly
|
| Branch/service | Syrian Air Force |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
Early life and rebel career
Al-Hawari was born in the late 1970s in a village near the Golan.[2]
He joined the opposition forces early in the Syrian civil war around 2011, aligning with rebel groups against the regime of Bashar al-Assad.[2]
Over the subsequent years, he rose through the ranks in several senior military positions within Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), demonstrating exceptional field command abilities despite lacking formal military education. His leadership was particularly noted during operations in northern Syria, where he earned a reputation for tactical acumen.[2]
Military career
Following the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024, al-Hawari transitioned to the newly formed transitional government structures. In March 2025, he was appointed as Commander of the Syrian Air Force, succeeding Mohammed Dib Zeitoun.[3]
Under his command, the Air Force has focused on restructuring and modernization efforts, including inspections of key airbases such as Al-Seen Military Airport to prepare for reactivation amid ongoing security threats from ISIS remnants.[4]
In July 2025, al-Hawari coordinated with international partners during firefighting operations in the Latakia countryside, meeting with Jordanian and Lebanese army teams to enhance coordination and prevent air accidents.[5] Later that month, he engaged in discussions with Turkish military officials at the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition in Istanbul, focusing on potential cooperation in air force training and equipment.[6]
In September 2025, he held high-level talks in Ankara with Turkish Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu and Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Ziya Cemal Kadioglu to advance joint military initiatives under a bilateral security agreement.[6]
Al-Hawari's background in jihadist-linked groups has drawn international scrutiny, with reports highlighting concerns over ideological influences within the new Syrian military leadership.[3]
Personal life
Little is publicly known about al-Hawari's personal life. He maintains a low profile outside of official duties.[7]