General Ali Mamlouk becomes advisor to Bashar al-Assad

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad chaired a meeting for commanders of the security apparatus in the army and the armed forces to formulate a comprehensive security roadmap.

The presidency said in a statement that the meeting focused on the expected impact of restructuring the security sector and fortifying coordination between different security agencies.

It also addressed the development of counter-terrorism tools.

The presidency added that the meeting formulated a comprehensive security roadmap that aligns with strategic visions to address international, regional, and domestic challenges and risks, ensuring a profound impact on the nation's security, citizens, and the armed forces.

Assad emphasized the proactive and preventative roles that security agencies must play in the fight against terrorist organizations.

The meeting also stressed the need to maintain continuous surveillance and tracking of cells attempting to undermine the nation's security and safety.

The meeting comes a few days after unofficial Syrian media reported sudden security changes targeting sensitive security institutions in Syria.

According to unofficial information, Major General Ali Mamlouk was appointed a presidential advisor for security affairs, and Major General Kifah al-Moulhim was appointed head of the National Security Office.

Major General Kamal Hassan was appointed head of the Military Intelligence Division, succeeding Moulhim.

Conflicting reports addressed the transfer of Mamlouk, whether it was a decision to remove or promote him.

Russian "Sputnik" agency reported, quoting a Syrian security source, that the appointment of Moulhim as head of the National Security Office to succeed Mamlouk came after the latter's illness and admission to the hospital.

According to the information, these changes come as part of Damascus's efforts to restructure its security and political forces.

Unofficial sources also indicated that the security services became warring powers during the war.

However, this clashed with Damascus's rapprochement with Arab countries, as it hindered the activation of the Arab initiative and the step-for-step approach to reconstructing the regime with the Arab system.