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Reuters Special Report: Assad's Exiled Spy Chief and Billionaire Cousin Plot Syrian Uprisings From Russia
Two exiles vie to control militias among Syria's Alawite minority, funding over 50,000 fighters with millions spent since March to challenge the new government.
- From Moscow, Major-General Kamal Hassan and Rami Makhlouf are competing to build militias among Syria's Alawite minority, funneling millions to recruit tens of thousands and control 14 underground command rooms.
- The rivalry stems from a bid to replace Assad-era loyalties and control the Alawite community, as Moscow has pivoted toward President Ahmad al-Sharaa's government, weakening Kremlin support for the exiles.
- Photographs and internal documents reviewed by Reuters show rooms stocked with assault rifles and grenades while records indicate Rami Makhlouf spent $6,000,000 and Major-General Kamal Hassan $1,500,000 supporting fighters paid $20–$30 monthly.
- Authorities have arrested a coastal cell allegedly funded by Makhlouf and detained dozens linked to plots as Russian and Lebanese authorities signal they will block exiles' political activity.
- Many Alawites mistrust the exiles and Russia has withheld support, making a successful revolt unlikely, while Nov. 25 protests in Homs and coastal cities signal volatile local grievances.
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16 Articles
16 Articles
Powerful men around Bashar al-Assad are probably trying to mobilize tens of thousands of fighters against the transitional government. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu calls for a "buffer zone" to Damascus – and is admonished by Donald Trump.
·Germany
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Former loyalists of Bashar al-Assad, who fled Syria after the dictator's fall, are funneling millions of dollars to tens of thousands of potential fighters in an attempt to foment rebellions against the new government and regain lost influence.
·Belgrade, Serbia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Left
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
56% Left
L 56%
11%
R 33%
Factuality
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