Ministry of Defense (Syria)

The Ministry of Defense of the Syrian Arab Republic is the government ministry responsible for defense affairs in Syria. It is the primary organ through which the Syrian Armed Forces, including the Syrian Arab Army, Syrian Arab Air Force, Syrian Arab Navy, and Syrian Arab Air Defense Force, are managed and directed.

The Ministry is headquartered in Damascus. Its primary functions include: formulating and implementing defense policies; overseeing military operations; managing personnel, logistics, and procurement for the armed forces; and maintaining Syria's national security.

The Minister of Defense is a key figure in the Syrian government and is typically a high-ranking military officer. The position is often held by a member of the ruling Ba'ath Party.

The Ministry of Defense has played a central role in all major conflicts involving Syria, including the Arab-Israeli wars, the Lebanese Civil War, and the ongoing Syrian Civil War. Due to the sensitive nature of its activities and the political climate in Syria, detailed information regarding the Ministry's structure, budget, and specific operations is often limited. The Ministry's actions are subject to significant international scrutiny due to the ongoing conflict and allegations of human rights violations.