Bashar al-Assad’s cousin forms elite troops, seeks Russian shield

Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, has announced the creation of 15 military divisions in Syria’s coastal region, under the banner of the "Elite Forces."

The divisions are reportedly supported by popular committees numbering up to hundreds of thousands of people, Caliber.Az reports, citing Arab media.

Makhlouf made a public appeal to Russia, calling for the extension of its protection over Syria’s coastal region and offering to place all local economic, military, and popular resources under Russian supervision.

“We also ask our friends to engage with the Damascus government to find a framework for joint cooperation, leading to stability in the coastal region,” he said.

In a series of posts on his Facebook page, Makhlouf, once a key figure in Assad’s regime, described Assad as a “fake Assad,” claiming that Syria’s downfall could have been avoided if not for the regime’s betrayal.

"Had it not been for that fake Assad pushing me and my loyal men away, headed by my soul brother, Commander al-Nimr, Syria would not have fallen," Makhlouf stated.

Makhlouf’s claims, which include the formation of 150,000 elite special forces alongside a reserve force of a similar size, cannot be independently verified. He also stated that the "popular committees" in the region had swelled to nearly one million people.

Commander al-Nimr, the leader of Assad’s Special Forces, is a prominent figure, known for his brutal tactics during the Syrian Civil War. After Assad’s regime collapsed in December, al-Nimr went into hiding and is now wanted for alleged war crimes.

Makhlouf’s posts paint a scathing portrait of the current Syrian government, accusing Assad of ruling in name only and the new leadership of “betrayal.” He claimed to have supported Syria militarily, economically, socially, and administratively throughout the war, but now describes both the former and current regime as ineffective and corrupt.

“Those who were immersed in the pleasures of worldly life and drowning in its wealth thought themselves rulers, while in reality they were ruled. After liberating the country and relieving the people, they betrayed us, isolated us, detained us, and sought to humiliate us,” he wrote.

Makhlouf further claimed he and al-Nimr had been working "day and night for several weeks" to regroup their forces. "We formed fifteen divisions, numbering nearly 150,000 elite men (special forces), alongside a reserve force of the same size. We also established popular committees reaching up to one million people ready for action,” he added.

The billionaire businessman-turned-commander continued by asserting the right of his forces to defend themselves. "We are a people who were wronged under the former regime and slaughtered under the new regime. It is our right to defend ourselves against anyone who comes to slaughter us."

Makhlouf also directly addressed the Syrian government, accusing it of being unable to protect the population from ongoing violence. “You have been unable to protect us from slaughter, killing, kidnapping, and enslavement — atrocities that continue to this very hour,” he declared.

Makhlouf has called for cooperation to protect the country, particularly Syria’s coastal region, and restore security and stability. He proposed the formation of a new era based on collaboration.

His posts also reference the sectarian violence that plagued the coastal region in March, which saw the massacre of hundreds of Alawite civilians. The killings were blamed on rogue elements within the Syrian security forces, and despite condemnation from President Ahmed al-Sharaa, critics argue that figures like Makhlouf are exacerbating tensions among the Alawite minority.

Once Syria’s most powerful businessman, Makhlouf controlled vast economic sectors, including telecommunications, banking, and construction. His ties to the Assad regime made him a symbol of corruption, leading to sanctions from the US in 2008. After a rift with Assad in 2020, Makhlouf’s assets were seized over allegations of tax evasion and financial misconduct. Despite this, he is believed to still be in Syria, primarily operating from the coastal region.