military officer

Salah Jadid

صلاح جديد

Also known as: The Black Prince • Abu Ibrahim

Journeys

Salah Jadid: Overthrown by His Own Protégé

Salah Jadid was the most powerful figure in Syria between 1966 and 1970 — and Hafez al-Assad's most important patron. He promoted Hafez, trusted him, gave him control of the Air Force. Hafez used that power to destroy him. Jadid spent his last 23 years in a cell in Mezzeh Military Prison, refusing to sign any document acknowledging Hafez's legitimacy.

Biography

Salah Jadid was an Alawite military officer who led the radical 'neo-Ba'ath' coup of February 23, 1966, becoming Syria's de facto ruler until Hafez al-Assad overthrew him in November 1970. He was imprisoned without trial for 23 years and died in Mezzeh Military Prison in 1993. His life and death illustrate how Hafez al-Assad disposed of rivals — not by execution, but by indefinite imprisonment.

Documentation Status

VerificationConfirmed

Journeys1

Key Facts

Born:1926

Place:Duwair Baabda, Latakia, Syria

Died:1993-08-19

Nationality:Syrian