Palestine Branch (Branch 235)

The Palestine Branch (Branch 235) of Syrian Military Intelligence is one of Syria's most feared detention facilities, located in central Damascus. Originally established to monitor Palestinians in Syria, it became a general-purpose detention and torture center. Notorious for its underground cells — known as 'the grave' — where detainees were held in total darkness. Its former director Hafez Makhlouf, Assad's cousin, was sanctioned by the EU and US. It was liberated on December 8, 2024.

Notable Events

• ▸Liberation December 8, 2024
• ▸EU/US sanctions on Hafez Makhlouf
• ▸Documented by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch

Known Officials

• ◆Hafez Makhlouf (former director, Assad's cousin, EU/US sanctioned)
• ◆Hussam al-Luqa (later director)
• ◆Rustom Ghazaleh (former head)