Assad's tycoon cousin, Rami Makhlouf, forms militia on Syria's Alawite coast: What we know
Rami Makhlouf, cousin of deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said on social media he is working with former commander Suhail al-Hassan following the massacres of Alawites on the coast.
A Facebook page purportedly run by Syrian businessman Rami Makhlouf has claimed to have formed a new military alliance on the coast with a former commander, in the latest potential challenge to the new government.
What happened: Makhlouf, one of the richest people in the country with an estimated wealth of $5 to $10 billion and a cousin of deposed President Bashar al-Assad, announced in a lengthy Facebook post on Sunday that he has assembled a new military force with former commander Suhail al-Hassan. According to Makhlouf, whose relationship with Assad deteriorated in 2020, they have formed a force of 150,000 fighters spread among 15 divisions.
“Because we are a people who were wronged during the era of the previous regime, and were slaughtered during the era of the new regime, we have the right to defend … against anyone who comes to slaughter us,” said Makhlouf, adding that he and Hassan do not seek revenge.
Syria updadte: The most important points in Rami Makhlouf's statement on his Facebook page:
— Ibrahim Hamidi ابراهيم حميدي (@ibrahimhamidi) April 27, 2025
1. Designating the Syrian coastal region as the "Coastal Region."
2. Establishing an alliance with Suheil al-Hassan, known as "The Tiger," who is close to Russia.
3. Forming a military… pic.twitter.com/rEqWBP9Xr4
The businessman referenced Syria’s coastal areas in the announcement and mentioned the massacres of Alawites in March.
