Preparing for the “Final Battle”: Assad’s Associates Seek to Reclaim Control in Syria

Background on Assad’s Associates’ Efforts

In a recent report by Reuters, it has been revealed that two close associates of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are actively working to reignite a rebellion against the new Syrian government. The report indicates that these individuals are investing millions of dollars to persuade potential fighters to join their cause, aiming to restore some of the influence they lost following Assad’s downfall. Assad fled to Russia in December, and it is believed he remains in Moscow.

Key Players and Their Strategies

The two men central to this effort are General Kamal Hassan and billionaire Rami Makhlouf, who are competing to establish militias both in Syria and along the Lebanese coast, primarily consisting of the Alawite minority. Together with other factions, they are vying for control of the region and are reportedly financing over 50,000 fighters in anticipation of gaining their loyalty.

Hassan and Makhlouf are particularly focused on securing control of a network of 14 subterranean command centers, constructed near Syria’s coastal region during the latter part of Assad’s rule, as well as associated arms depots. According to Syrian offstartrs and a regional governor, the existence of this concealed network has been confirmed, and images related to it have been obtained by Reuters.

Communication and Projections of Power

Hassan, who previously served as Assad’s head of military intelligence, is reportedly engaging in extensive communications with commanders and advisers, expressing frustration over his loss of influence and articulating his vision for reestablishing control over coastal Syria, which is home to the majority of the Alawite population and served as Assad’s power base.

In contrast, Makhlouf, Assad’s cousin, has previously utilized his business empire to financially support Assad’s regime during the civil war but has since fallen out of favor with more powerful relatives and spent years under house arrest. Now, he presents himself in conversations and messages as a messianic figure poised to return to power after delivering what he describes as an “apocalyptic final battle.”

Both leaders are envisioning a fragmented Syria, with each wanting dominance over Alawite-majority areas. They are reportedly expending millions on rival efforts to build their forces.

The Counteroffensive by President Ahmad al-Sharaa

In response to the challenges posed by Hassan and Makhlouf, current Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is employing a former ally of Assad, Khaled al-Ahmad, to persuade former Alawite soldiers and civilians that their future lies within the new Syria. “This competition is ongoing, but rather than aiming to please Assad, the focus is now on identifying his successor and establishing control over the Alawite community,” stated Ansar Shahed, a researcher who has studied the dictatorship for over a decade.

The Reuters report is based on interviews with 48 sources possessing direct knowledge of these developments. As of now, neither Hassan nor Makhlouf has responded to requests for comments from the news agency.