Syria: Al-Assad Regime Leaders Seeking To Arm Rebellion Against Al-Sharaa

By Osama Ali

(Al Bawaba) -- An investigative report by The New York Times reveals that senior military and security figures from Syria’s former Assad regime are working from exile to organize an armed rebellion aimed at destabilizing the country’s new leadership, more than a year after Bashar al-Assad’s fall.

According to the report, former regime generals based in Russia and Lebanon have been rebuilding networks of fighters, financiers, and political backers in an effort to undermine Syria’s transitional government and potentially carve out zones of influence inside the country.

The investigation, based on intercepted phone calls, leaked messages, interviews, and intelligence analysis, highlights the role of two sanctioned figures: former elite forces commander Suhail al-Hassan, known as “The Tiger,” and former military intelligence chief Kamal al-Hassan. While their approaches differ, both are attempting to regain leverage in a war-weary Syria.

The report says Suhail al-Hassan has taken the most aggressive military route, compiling records of more than 168,000 potential fighters from Syria’s coastal regions, many of whom retain access to heavy and anti-aircraft weapons.Leaked communications reveal attempts to establish armed groups, manage payroll, and obtain weaponry.

The funding for these operations reportedly originates from Rami Makhlouf, Assad's cousin and a prominent businessman currently residing in Moscow. The report portrays Makhlouf as a significant financial supporter and a political player aiming for leadership within Syria's Alawite community, positioning himself as its guardian.

Simultaneously, Kamal al-Hassan has concentrated on exerting political influence outside the country.
He's connected to a Beirut-based group that's been angling for lobbying contracts in Washington. Their goal? To push for international protection of Alawite-majority regions, which has diplomats worried about potential moves toward regional autonomy within Syria.

The investigation also uncovered attempts to coordinate with regional militias, weapons smuggling operations, and Iranian support networks. This included safe havens for former Syrian pilots facing war crimes accusations.

Even with all this, the report points out significant hurdles for the plotters. Internal divisions, a lack of resources, international surveillance, and widespread resentment within Syria's Alawite community toward those linked to years of war and destruction all pose serious challenges.

These findings underscore the persistent instability following Assad's fall and highlight fears that unresolved power structures could jeopardize Syria's delicate recovery.