Senior military figures from the fallen Al-Assad regime are currently organizing an armed rebellion from their exile in foreign lands, according to an investigative report by The New York Times, which revealed a massive effort to undermine the fragile transitional government in Damascus.
Former regime generals based in Russia and Lebanon are actively rebuilding networks of fighters, financiers, and various political backers today. These individuals aim to carve out specific zones of influence inside Syria more than a year after Bashar Al-Assad fell. Consequently, international intelligence agencies are monitoring intercepted phone calls and leaked messages to track these dangerous and evolving underground movements.
The investigation specifically highlights two sanctioned figures: former elite commander Suhail “The Tiger” Al-Hassan and intelligence chief Kamal Al-Hassan. While their specific strategies differ, both men are attempting to regain significant leverage in a war-weary and fractured nation.
Arming the Coastline
Suhail Al-Hassan has taken the most aggressive military route by compiling records of over 168,000 potential fighters from coastal regions, with many of these former soldiers still retaining access to heavy weaponry and sophisticated anti-aircraft systems within their local communities. Furthermore, leaked communications reveal ongoing attempts to establish organized armed groups, manage complex payrolls, and secure new weaponry sources.
Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of the former dictator, reportedly provides the necessary funding for these high-stakes and volatile operations. Makhlouf currently resides in Moscow and acts as a significant financial supporter for those seeking to regain their lost power. He positions himself as a guardian of the Alawite community to gain political support for his personal leadership ambitions.
Political Maneuvering and Local Resistance
Simultaneously, Kamal Al-Hassan concentrates his efforts on exerting political influence from a base of operations located in central Beirut. His group is currently angling for lobbying contracts in Washington to push for international protection of specific Alawite-majority regions. However, diplomats worry that these moves toward regional autonomy will lead to the total disintegration of the unified Syrian state.
Additionally, the investigation also uncovered attempts to coordinate with regional militias, weapons smuggling operations, and various Iranian-backed support networks. These networks provide safe havens for former Syrian pilots who currently face serious accusations of committing international war crimes.
Despite these grand plans, the report points out several significant hurdles that the plotters must overcome to achieve success. Internal divisions, a lack of resources, and intense international surveillance pose serious challenges to their ongoing and secretive efforts. Moreover, widespread resentment within the Alawite community toward those linked to years of destruction remains a powerful deterrent today.
These findings underscore the persistent instability following the regime’s fall and highlight deep fears regarding the nation’s delicate recovery. Unresolved power structures continue to jeopardize the future of millions of Syrians who only seek peace and long-term stability.
