Coastal Militias Funded by Assad Insiders: A Power Struggle in Exile

Former Assad loyalists are financing coastal militias in Syria to regain influence against the new government. The power struggle involves exiled figures like Maj. Gen. Kamal Hassan and Rami Makhlouf, who are rallying fighters from the Alawite sect. However, prospects of success are dim due to internal conflicts and lack of support.

In a bid to reclaim influence in post-Assad Syria, former loyalists of the ousted dictator are bankrolling militias along the coast, a Reuter's investigation has revealed. Driven by discontentment over their loss of power, figures like Maj. Gen. Kamal Hassan and businessman Rami Makhlouf are pouring millions into forming fighting factions.

Despite these efforts, the fighters remain largely unmobilized, with Hassan and Makhlouf failing to garner significant support, even from former ally Russia. The new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is aware of these machinations and is taking measures to neutralize potential threats.

Syrian authorities, along with neighboring countries, are committed to preventing destabilization attempts. The hidden operations and concealed command rooms of these exiled insiders may weaken, as internal disagreements and financial constraints continue to plague their plans.

(With inputs from agencies.)