Ghazi Kanaan
Ghazi Kanaan | |
|---|---|
غازي كنعان | |
Kanaan in January 2005 | |
| Minister of Interior | |
| In office 4 October 2004 – 12 October 2005 | |
| President | Bashar al-Assad |
| Prime Minister | Muhammad Naji al-Otari |
| Preceded by | Ali Hammoud |
| Succeeded by | Bassam Abdel Majeed |
| Director of Political Security Directorate | |
| In office 2002–2004 | |
| President | Bashar al-Assad |
| Preceded by | Adnan Badr Hassan |
| Succeeded by | Muhammad Mansoura |
| Head of Military Intelligence in Lebanon | |
| In office 1982 – December 2002 | |
| President | Hafez al-Assad Bashar al-Assad |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Rustum Ghazaleh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1942 Bhamra, Latakia, First Syrian Republic |
| Died | 12 October 2005 (aged 62–63) Damascus, Syria |
| Political party | Ba'ath Party |
| Children | 6 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Ba'athist Syria |
| Branch/service | Syrian Army |
| Years of service | 1963–2004 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Battles/wars | |
Ghazi Kanaan (Arabic: غازي كنعان; 1942 – 12 October 2005; also known by his nickname Abu Yo'roub) was a Syrian military officer and intelligence chief who served as Syria's interior minister from 2004 to 2005. He was also the long-time head of Syria's security apparatus in Lebanon from 1982 to 2002.
Employing tactics such as endorsing pro-Syrian candidates and employing intimidation, Kanaan had a considerable influence over Lebanese politics, ensuring Lebanon was aligned with Syria's agenda. Kanaan was questioned during the investigation into Rafic Hariri's assassination in 2005. His violent death later that year, officially declared a suicide, was met with skepticism by some, drawing international attention.