The Directorate of Airport and Border Security (Arabic: Ã¥ïçñé ãààçÃÂà÷çñçê ÃÂçÃÂàÃÂçÃÂð, romanized: Idarat Amn al-Matarat wal-Manafidh) is a Syrian government agency under the Ministry of Interior responsible for overseeing security operations at the country's airports and border crossings. Established as part of the Syrian security apparatus, the directorate plays a key role in maintaining border integrity, facilitating secure air travel, and coordinating with other state institutions during transitional periods. In recent developments, it has been instrumental in the handover of strategic facilities such as Qamishli Airport amid agreements between the Syrian transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The Directorate of Airport and Border Security operates within the broader context of Syria's evolving security landscape, particularly following the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024 and the establishment of an interim government. Its activities gained prominence in early 2026 during efforts to consolidate state control over northeastern regions previously under SDF administration.
Key historical milestones include the directorate's involvement in the phased integration of military and administrative structures in Hasakah province, as outlined in agreements reached in January 2026. This included the transfer of security responsibilities at Qamishli Airport, marking a significant step toward unifying state authority over vital infrastructure.
Prior to these events, the directorate managed routine security at major entry points, including Damascus International Airport, amid ongoing regional instability and border challenges.
The exact date of establishment for the Directorate of Airport and Border Security is not publicly detailed in available sources, but it functions as a specialized department within the Ministry of Interior, likely formed or restructured during Syria's post-conflict reorganization. It complements other entities like the General Authority for Borders and Customs, focusing specifically on security aspects rather than customs administration.
Its mandate emphasizes restoring state authority over airports and borders, especially in areas affected by the Syrian civil war.
The current director of the Directorate of Airport and Border Security is Colonel Ahmad al-Ahmad. He has been actively involved in field inspections and negotiations, including those related to the Qamishli Airport handover.
Other notable figures include Brigadier General Marwan al-Ali, the Internal Security Commander in Hasakah Governorate, who has collaborated closely with the directorate in regional operations.
The primary functions of the directorate include:
The directorate also handles recovery of stolen items and anti-crime operations at airports, as demonstrated by incidents at Damascus International Airport.
Significant meetings involving the directorate include:
Ongoing coordination meetings for border security enhancements, including with neighboring countries.
Key members and personnel associated with the directorate include:
Various technical and administrative specialists involved in airport assessments. The directorate collaborates with regional security commanders like Brigadier General Marwan al-Ali.
As of February 2026, no major controversies directly involving the Directorate of Airport and Border Security have been reported in public sources. Its operations have been framed positively in the context of national unification efforts, though broader Syrian security transitions remain subject to international scrutiny.