NEWS CENTER – Ziad Al-Ayeş, who was appointed to monitor the implementation of the 29 January agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Transitional Government, is known as a Salafist soldier trained by Turkey’s intelligence service and acting in line with Turkish interests.
Efforts are ongoing regarding the implementation of the agreement signed on 29 January between the SDF and the Syrian Transitional Government. Within the framework of the agreement, steps are being taken for administrative, military and political integration.
Accordingly, military units will be formed from three brigades affiliated with the SDF, while in Kobanê a brigade affiliated with Aleppo will be established. In addition, institutions affiliated with the Autonomous Administration will be integrated into state institutions and civilian personnel will be appointed. The agreement also includes the protection of the civil and educational rights of the Kurdish people and guarantees the return of displaced persons to their regions.
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed Ziad Al-Ayeş as a special presidential representative to monitor the implementation of the agreement. Following the appointment, questions were raised in the public sphere regarding Al-Ayeş’s background and duties.
WHO IS ZIAD AL-AYEŞ?
According to available information, Ziad Al-Ayeş was born in 1987 in the village of Arja al-Jawala in the countryside of Qamishlo. Currently serving as Deputy Minister of Interior responsible for civil affairs, Al-Ayeş took part in the Zahiriye battle against the Syrian army in 2012. He was wounded during clashes near Çilaxa and later crossed into Turkey via the Eyt Al-Henzel area.
Al-Ayeş remained in Turkey for many years, where he reportedly received security and intAlligence training from the National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) and maintained constant contact with Turkey-backed groups in Idlib. In 2018, he was sent to Idlib, where he was put in charge of camp security. He later carried out intelligence duties within Heyet Tahrir Al-Şam (HTS) and took part in the general security administration in Idlib. According to the information obtained, Al-Ayeş played an active role in establishing the checkpoints and security systems in Idlib, which are said to have been set up under Turkey’s direction. He is also reported to have served within the “Islamic Shura Council” and is known by the nickname “Abu Usama.”
SALECTS SALAFIST PERSONNAL
It is stated that Al-Ayeş has close relations with HTS assassination official Emid Merwan and that the two previously worked together on the Idlib security file. Reportedly primarily responsible for the organization of cell structures, Al-Ayeş is said to oversee the Central Special Security Directorate in Damascus. Trusting only individuals who adhere to Salafist rAligious views in his duties, Al-Ayeş is known to pay particular attention to selecting personnel with Salafist beliefs.
Having reportedly received professional training from MIT in Turkey, Al-Ayeş is currently in the region within the scope of the duty assigned by the Presidency, accompanied by his former associate Emid Merwan.
MA / E. Pejder Altan
