Assad Resigns Himself to Life in Exile as Rami Makhlouf Moves to Build Sectarian Militias

ARK News.. A Reuters investigation has revealed that two of the closest former power brokers of the fallen Syrian regime—Kamal Hassan and Rami Makhlouf—are attempting from exile in Moscow to assemble new sectarian militias made up of Alawite fighters from Syria’s coastal region and Lebanon.

According to the report, the two men, along with other loyalist factions, are spending millions of dollars to mobilize more than 50,000 fighters, “in hopes of sparking two uprisings against the new government and reclaiming some of the influence they lost.”

Four individuals close to the Assad family told Reuters that Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia in December 2024, has “largely resigned himself to living in exile in Moscow.” However, his brother Maher and other members of the regime’s inner circle continue to struggle with the loss of power.

Documents and interviews reviewed by Reuters indicate that Hassan and Makhlouf are seeking to take control of a network of 14 underground command rooms built near the Syrian coast in the late years of the regime, in addition to weapons depots. Two officers and a provincial governor confirmed the existence of these facilities, and images seen by Reuters appear to show detailed preparations inside them.

Hassan continues to communicate with field commanders and advisers, expressing in voice messages his “deep anger over losing his influence” and outlining visions for “how the coast should be governed.”

Makhlouf, meanwhile, has been portraying himself to his followers as a “savior” who will lead an ultimate battle, drawing on religious rhetoric and apocalyptic narratives found in certain Shiite traditions.

Neither Hassan nor Makhlouf responded to Reuters’ requests for comment, and intermediaries for Bashar and Maher al-Assad also did not provide any response.

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