The Syrian Ministry of Defense appoints an officer who is on the U.S. blacklist.

The appointment of the leader of the “Hamzat” faction as the commander of the 76th Division in the New Syrian Army

Brigadier General Saif Al-Din Boulad, known by the nickname “Saif Abu Bakr,” the leader of the Hamza Division (“Hamzat”), has been appointed as the commander of the 76th Division within the formations of the New Syrian Army in Aleppo Governorate.

It is worth noting that the “Hamzat” faction has a significant record of violations and abuses against civilians, particularly in its areas of influence, most notably the Afrin – Efrîn area. Based on this record, “Saif Abu Bakr” was included on the sanctions list issued by the U.S. Treasury and State Departments due to human rights issues.