# Rifaat al-Assad

> Syrian former military officer and politician (1937–2026)

**Wikidata**: [Q519639](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q519639)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rifaat_al-Assad)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rifaat-al-assad

## Summary
Rifaat al-Assad was a Syrian former military officer and politician who served from 1937 to 2026. He held key roles in the Syrian military and government, participating in major conflicts such as the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. His career spanned multiple Syrian political regimes, including the First Syrian Republic, the United Arab Republic, and Ba'athist Syria.

## Biography
- Born: 1937
- Nationality: Syrian
- Education:
  - Damascus University (attended)
  - Homs Military Academy (attended)
- Known for: Serving as a military officer and politician in Syria during key historical conflicts.
- Employer(s):
  - Syrian military
  - Syrian government
- Field(s):
  - Military
  - Politics

## Contributions
Rifaat al-Assad served in the Syrian military and government, participating in major conflicts such as the Six-Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War (1973). He also played a role in the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) and the 1999 Latakia protests. His military career included training at the Homs Military Academy and Damascus University.

## FAQs
**What was Rifaat al-Assad's role in the Syrian military?**
Rifaat al-Assad served as a military officer in the Syrian military, participating in major conflicts such as the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War.

**Where did Rifaat al-Assad receive his education?**
He attended Damascus University and the Homs Military Academy.

**Which conflicts did Rifaat al-Assad participate in?**
He participated in the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War, the Lebanese Civil War, and the 1999 Latakia protests.

**What political regimes did Rifaat al-Assad serve under?**
He served under the First Syrian Republic, the United Arab Republic, and Ba'athist Syria.

## Why They Matter
Rifaat al-Assad's military and political career spanned key periods in Syrian history, including the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. His service in these conflicts shaped Syria's military strategy and international relations during critical moments. His participation in the Lebanese Civil War and the 1999 Latakia protests further demonstrated his role in regional conflicts. His education at Damascus University and the Homs Military Academy provided the foundation for his military career.

## Notable For
- Served as a military officer in the Syrian military.
- Participated in the Six-Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War (1973).
- Played a role in the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990).
- Involved in the 1999 Latakia protests.
- Attended Damascus University and the Homs Military Academy.
- Served under the First Syrian Republic, the United Arab Republic, and Ba'athist Syria.
- Received the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Rifaat al-Assad was born in 1937. He received his education at Damascus University and the Homs Military Academy, which provided the foundation for his military career.

### Military Career
Rifaat al-Assad served as a military officer in the Syrian military. He participated in major conflicts, including the Six-Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War (1973). His military service included training at the Homs Military Academy and Damascus University.

### Political Roles
Rifaat al-Assad served in the Syrian government, participating in key political regimes such as the First Syrian Republic, the United Arab Republic, and Ba'athist Syria. His political career was marked by his involvement in regional conflicts and protests.

### Conflicts and Involvements
Rifaat al-Assad played a significant role in the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) and the 1999 Latakia protests. His participation in these events demonstrated his active role in regional conflicts and political movements.

### Awards and Recognition
Rifaat al-Assad received the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour, recognizing his contributions to military and political service.

### Legacy
Rifaat al-Assad's legacy is tied to his military and political service during critical periods in Syrian history. His participation in major conflicts and his role in regional politics have left a lasting impact on Syria's military and international relations.

## References

1. [Rifaat al-Assad dies at the age of 89](https://www.voiceofemirates.com/en/news/2026/01/21/rifaat-al-assad-dies-at-the-age-of-89/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Rifaat al-Assad, uncle of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, dies at 88. AlArabiya.net](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2026/01/21/rifaat-alassad-uncle-of-ousted-syrian-president-bashar-alassad-dies-sources-)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Rifaat al-Assad: Syrian President's uncle jailed in France for money laundering. BBC Online. 2020](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53077818)
6. [French top court upholds prison sentence of Bashar al-Assad's uncle. Reuters. 2022](https://www.reuters.com/world/french-top-court-upholds-prison-sentence-bashar-al-assads-uncle-2022-09-07/)
7. [Source](https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/syrien-milizen-stuerzen-statue-von-baschar-al-assads-vater-in-hama-a-d324b969-33c6-4c9f-b967-dd143cf358f3)
8. [Source](https://www.decideurs-magazine.com/droit/37207-benjamin-grundler-le-defenseur-des-dirigeants.html)
9. [Jugé pour avoir critiqué l'oncle du président Assad. Tribune de Genève. 2018](https://www.tdg.ch/juge-pour-avoir-critique-l-oncle-du-president-assad-909236340933)