Damascus, Syria – December 5, 2025 – Former loyalists to ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are reportedly funneling millions of dollars to tens of thousands of potential fighters in an attempt to spark uprisings against Syria’s new government, according to a Reuters investigation.

The revelations come as Syria marks one year since al-Assad’s fall and President Ahmed al-Sharaa consolidates power and gains international recognition.

![Torn poster of Bashar al-Assad in Deraa, Syria. Photo: Zohra Bensemra/Reuters]

Exiled Plotters Finance Militias

The investigation, based on interviews with 48 sources and analysis of financial documents, identifies two central figures in the plot:

• Major-General Kamal Hassan, al-Assad’s former military intelligence chief
• Billionaire cousin Rami Makhlouf, who previously funded the regime’s operations during Syria’s 14-year civil war

Operating from Moscow, the two men are competing to recruit and fund militias, primarily drawing from Syria’s Alawite minority, historically associated with al-Assad’s dynasty.

According to documents reviewed by Reuters:

• Hassan controls roughly 12,000 fighters and has spent $1.5 million since March
• Makhlouf claims over 54,000 fighters and has spent $6 million

However, fighters report being paid modestly—between $20 and $30 per month—and often taking funds from both factions, highlighting the fragile loyalty of the forces.

Ambitions and Assets

The plotters are vying for control over 14 underground command centers along Syria’s coast, including weapons caches containing assault rifles, grenades, ammunition, and communications equipment.

Hassan reportedly encourages followers through WhatsApp messages, promising to “restore your dignity,” while Makhlouf portrays himself as a messianic figure who will return to power after a decisive, apocalyptic battle.

Weak Prospects for a Uprising

Despite their efforts, Reuters reports that the likelihood of a successful rebellion remains low. Challenges include:

• Rivalry between Hassan and Makhlouf
• Mistrust from Alawite communities
• Limited support from Moscow, which is pivoting to maintain ties with al-Sharaa’s government to protect strategic bases in Tartous

To counter these plots, the Syrian government has deployed Khaled al-Ahmad, an Alawite and childhood friend of al-Sharaa, to persuade former soldiers and civilians to align with the new administration. Tartous Governor Ahmed al-Shami emphasized the government’s readiness:

“We are certain they cannot do anything effective, given their lack of strong tools on the ground.”

Context and Regional Challenges

The revelations come amid ongoing pressures in Syria, including:

• Israeli military incursions
• Calls for a buffer zone between Israel and Syria
• Sectarian tensions that erupted into deadly violence earlier this year

This week, Syria hosted a UN Security Council delegation, marking the first such visit since al-Sharaa assumed power and signaling growing international recognition of the new government.

The situation underscores the fragile stability in Syria and the ongoing influence of exiled al-Assad loyalists in attempting to destabilize the country from abroad.