Rifaat al-Assad, a prominent and controversial figure from Syria’s ruling family, has passed away at the age of 88, according to individuals familiar with the matter. The former military commander, who was an uncle to the country’s former leader, died following a short illness.
One source with long-standing ties to Syrian leadership indicated the death occurred after a brief bout of influenza. Another confirmed the passing, noting that Rifaat al-Assad had relocated to the United Arab Emirates following the collapse of his nephew’s government in late 2024. It was not clarified whether he died in the UAE.
The deceased was widely known for his central role in the severe military response to an armed Islamist insurrection in the city of Hama in early 1982. At the time, he led a powerful paramilitary unit. The operation, ordered by his brother, then-President Hafez al-Assad, resulted in extensive casualties, with estimates of the dead varying widely. The episode left a lasting mark on the country’s modern history and defined Rifaat al-Assad’s legacy.
His record later drew international legal scrutiny. Authorities in Switzerland had previously sought to prosecute him for alleged grave crimes committed during his military service.
After a failed bid for power in the mid-1980s, he spent decades abroad, primarily in Europe, at times positioning himself in opposition to the Damascus government led by his nephew. He returned to Syria several years ago, later appearing publicly with family members. Following the change of government in Damascus, he departed the country via Lebanon.
His death closes a chapter on one of the most formidable and divisive personalities from the era of Assad family rule.