Asim Rashid al-Hawari (; 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.
Al-Hawari was born in the late 1970s in a village near the Golan.
He joined the opposition forces early in the Syrian civil war around 2011, aligning with rebel groups against the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
In September 2025, he held high-level talks in Ankara with Turkish Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Selçuk BayraktaroÃÂlu and Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Ziya Cemal Kadioglu to advance joint military initiatives under a bilateral security agreement.
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.
Little is publicly known about al-Hawari's personal life. He maintains a low profile outside of official duties.