Position: Commander of Unit 450
Association: The Assad Regime
Loyalty: Bashar al-Assad
Most Notorious Crimes
- Eastern Ghouta Chemical Attack (2013): Directed the chemical attack that killed at least 1,127 people, including 201 women and 107 children.
- Oversaw the testing of chemical weapons on prisoners, particularly targeting members of the Muslim Brotherhood.
- Coordinated the transfer and deployment of chemical weapons, including shipments to Hezbollah-controlled areas.
Profile
Ali Wanous is a former senior officer in the Syrian Arab Army, closely associated with the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Centre (SSRC). Born in 1964 in Safita, Tartous Governorate, and of Alawite background, Wanous rose through the ranks to become a key figure in Syria’s chemical weapons program. During the early years of the Syrian uprising, he commanded Unit 417, which conducted chemical weapons testing on prisoners, including members of the Muslim Brotherhood. He later led Unit 450, responsible for preparing and deploying chemical weapons across Syria, including transfers to Hezbollah-controlled areas. Wanous played a pivotal role in the 2013 chemical attack on Eastern Ghouta, which resulted in over 1,000 civilian deaths, including women and children. His actions reflect a pattern of direct involvement in chemical weapons development, testing, and deployment, marking him as a central figure in one of the most notorious aspects of the Assad regime’s military strategy. Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, his current whereabouts remain unknown.
Identity
Full Name: Ali Wanous (علي وانووس)
Date of Birth: 1964
Place of Birth: Safita, Tartous Governorate, Syria
Career Timeline
Pre-2011: Served in various capacities within the Military Intelligence Directorate.
2011: Promoted to Colonel; involved in the suppression of civilian protests during the early stages of the Syrian conflict.
2011–2016: Commanded Unit 417, a unit associated with chemical weapons testing on prisoners, particularly those from the Muslim Brotherhood during the 1980s and 1990s.
2016–2024: Commanded Unit 450, a unit responsible for the preparation and deployment of chemical weapons.
Post-2024: Following the fall of the Assad regime, his current whereabouts and status are unknown.
Crimes & Responsibilities
- Chemical Weapons Testing: Oversaw Unit 417, which conducted chemical weapons tests on prisoners, including members of the Muslim Brotherhood.
- Chemical Weapons Deployment: Led Unit 450, responsible for the preparation and deployment of chemical weapons, including the transfer of chemical materials to Hezbollah-controlled areas.
- Eastern Ghouta Attack (2013): Instrumental in the chemical attack on Eastern Ghouta, resulting in over 1,000 civilian deaths.
Legal Proceedings & Sanctions
United States: Sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in December 2017 for involvement in chemical weapons activities.
European Union: Listed under EU sanctions, identified as a key figure in Syria’s chemical weapons program.
Canada: Sanctioned by Canada for his role in Syria’s chemical weapons program.
United Kingdom: Subject to UK sanctions due to his involvement in chemical weapons activities.
Current Status/Whereabouts
Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Ali Wanous’s current whereabouts are unknown.
