Qahtan Khalil

Qahtan Khalil
قحطان خلیل
Director of Air Force Intelligence Directorate
In office
5 January 2024  8 December 2024
Preceded byGhassan Ismail
Head of the Security Committee
In office
October 2019  November 2019
Succeeded byHossam Louka
Personal details
Born1964 (age 6061)
Military service
Allegiance Ba'athist Syria
Branch/service Syrian Air Force
Rank Major General
Battles/warsSyrian civil war

Qahtan Khalil is a Syrian military official who served as the head of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate (SAFI) from January to December 2024 during the final months of the Assad regime. Known as the "Butcher of Daraya" for his direct role in commanding the 2012 Darayya massacre that resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths, Khalil was among several SAFI officials designated by the U.S. Treasury Department as a Specially Designated National for his direct role in the massacre and subsequent violations of human rights.