Exiled Syrian Generals Fuel New Instability, Lobbying Washington
Damascus/Washington – One year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syria is facing a renewed threat of instability as exiled former regime officials actively work to undermine the new government, according to a new report by the New York Times. These figures, long accused of war crimes and brutal repression, are reportedly funding recruitment efforts, seeking weapons, and even launching a lobbying campaign in Washington D.C. – a development that could reshape the future of the war-torn nation. This is a developing story, and Archyde is committed to bringing you the latest updates as they unfold.
The Shadow Network: “The Tiger” and Military Intelligence
At the heart of this effort are individuals like Suhail Hassan, the former special forces commander known as “The Tiger” for his ruthless tactics, and Kamal Hassan, formerly the head of military intelligence. Both are currently exiled in Moscow alongside Assad and are subject to international sanctions. Intercepted communications reveal a concerted effort to rebuild influence through financial support, fighter recruitment, and arms procurement, primarily sourced from Lebanon. Text messages indicate Hassan has been coordinating with contacts across Lebanon, Iraq, and even within Syria itself.
This isn’t simply about re-establishing power; it’s about protecting a way of life. The Alawite minority, to which Assad and many former regime officials belong, feels increasingly vulnerable. The massacre of Alawite civilians in March 2025, as reported by the New York Times, served as a potent rallying cry, fueling recruitment efforts specifically targeting Alawite fighters. The goal, according to intercepted discussions, is to establish a zone of influence, potentially even territorial control, along the Syrian coast – a region with a significant Alawite population.
Funding the Flames: Recruitment and Financial Backing
The scale of the operation is becoming clearer. In the spring, communications revealed that Suhail Hassan recruited Ghiath Dalla, a general from the notorious Fourth Division led by Maher al-Assad. Dalla reported disbursing $300,000 monthly to potential fighters and commanders, with payments ranging from $200 to $1,000 per month. He also requested $136,600 for satellite communications equipment. This demonstrates a serious commitment of resources to destabilizing the current government.
Adding another layer to the complexity, businessman Rami Makhlouf, a distant cousin of Bashar al-Assad, is allegedly providing financial support to these networks. He’s also reportedly sending money to Alawite families on the Syrian coast, positioning himself as a protector of the community. This financial lifeline is crucial to sustaining the recruitment and operational capabilities of the exiled officials.
Lobbying in Washington: A New Front in the Syrian Conflict
The efforts to undermine Syria’s new government aren’t confined to the battlefield. A foundation linked to Kamal Hassan has launched a $1 million lobbying campaign in Washington D.C., ostensibly to secure “international protection for the Alawite region of Syria.” Syrian diplomats, however, express greater concern over this external influence campaign than the struggling insurgency itself. They fear it could pave the way for the creation of a semi-autonomous region within Syria, further fragmenting the already fractured nation.
Evergreen Context: The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has been one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century. The fall of Assad’s regime, while a significant development, doesn’t automatically guarantee peace. The complex interplay of sectarian interests, regional power dynamics, and the legacy of a brutal conflict continue to pose significant challenges to stability. Understanding the historical context – the rise of extremist groups, the involvement of foreign powers, and the deep-seated grievances of the Syrian people – is crucial to comprehending the current situation.
While the true capacity of these former generals to destabilize Syria remains uncertain, their actions serve as a stark reminder that the power struggles for Syria are far from over. The situation is fluid, and the potential for further escalation is real. Archyde will continue to monitor developments closely, providing you with accurate, timely, and insightful coverage of this critical story. Stay tuned for updates and in-depth analysis as this breaking news unfolds.
