Qassem Saad ad-Din

Qassem Saadeddine is a Syrian former military officer and pilot and a prominent figure in the Syrian civil war.

A former colonel in the Syrian Air Force, he defected from the Ba'athist Syrian government forces in February 2012 and became a key leader within the Free Syrian Army. He was the commander of the Military Council in Homs and played a role in organizing opposition forces in the region.

Early life and education Saadeddine was born on 18 February 1965 in Al-Rastan, a city in the Homs Governorate of Syria. He completed his secondary education in Al-Rastan before enrolling in the Syrian Air Force Academy in 1985. He graduated in 1988 with the rank of lieutenant pilot.

Throughout his career in the Syrian military, Saadeddine participated in several advanced training programs, including:

Following his defection, Saadeddine was involved in organizing and leading opposition forces. He helped establish several military formations, including "Liwa Rijal Allah" (Men of God Brigade) in Al-Rastan in February 2012. On 29 March 2012, he co-founded the Joint Command of the Free Syrian Army inside Syria and became the commander of the Military Council in Homs.

Military leadership Saadeddine was a key participant in battles in northern Homs Governorate, particularly in Al-Rastan. He led operations that resulted in the temporary takeover of Al-Rastan and neighboring towns such as Talbiseh by opposition forces.

In a 2021 interview with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, he expressed support for a transitional military council to oversee Syria's post-conflict period, emphasizing the need for democratic reforms and justice for victims of the war.

Personal life Saadeddine is married and has six children.

He has survived multiple assassination attempts.