Position: Head of Security, Scientific Studies and Research Centre (SSRC), Damascus
Association: The Assad Regime
Loyalty: Bashar al-Assad
Most Notorious Crimes:
- Oversight of chemical weapons facilities at the SSRC.
- Role in the 2013 Ghouta chemical weapons attack.
- Enforcement of security measures that facilitated human rights abuses.
- Protection and coordination of Assad regime’s chemical weapons programs.
Profile
Brigadier General Youssef Ajeeb has held the position of Head of Security at the Scientific Studies and Research Centre (SSRC) in Damascus since 2012. The SSRC is Syria’s primary institution responsible for the development and production of chemical weapons, including the missiles and artillery used to deliver them. In his role, Ajeeb has been involved in overseeing security operations at SSRC facilities, which are central to Syria’s chemical weapons program. His position places him within the inner circle of the Assad regime’s military and chemical weapons infrastructure.
Identity
Full Name: Youssef Ajeeb (يوسف عجيب)
Date of Birth: Unconfirmed, likely 1960s–1970s
Place of Birth: Syria
Nationality: Syrian
Career Timeline
Pre-2012: Served in Syrian military or security structures; specific early postings are not publicly documented.
2012: Appointed Head of Security at the Scientific Studies and Research Centre (SSRC) in Damascus, overseeing security for Syria’s chemical weapons facilities.
2012–2018: Managed security and operations at SSRC during the period of major chemical weapons attacks, including Ghouta (2013). Coordinated with military and intelligence structures to protect sensitive programs.
2018–2024: Continued as Head of Security at SSRC, maintaining oversight of chemical weapons facilities and ensuring protection of personnel and assets.
Post-2024: Following the fall of the Assad regime, Ajeeb’s current whereabouts are unknown.
Crimes & Responsibilities
- Chemical Weapons Program Oversight: As Head of Security at the SSRC, Ajeeb has been responsible for the security of facilities involved in the development and production of chemical weapons.
- Involvement in Chemical Weapons Attacks: His association with the SSRC links him to the broader network responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria, including attacks on civilians.
- Repression of Civilian Population: Through his role at the SSRC, Ajeeb has been implicated in supporting or benefiting from activities that contribute to the violent repression of the Syrian population.
Legal Proceedings & Sanctions
No publicly reported international sanctions or prosecutions specifically targeting Youssef Ajeeb.
Current Status/Whereabouts
Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, his current whereabouts are unknown.