Pro-Assad Russians reportedly plotting uprising in Syria - Reuters

The agency reports that Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia a year ago, has largely come to terms with his exile in Moscow. However, other high-ranking officials from his close circle, including his brother, have not accepted the loss of power.

Reuters journalists found that two of Assad’s once-closest associates - Major General Kamal Hassan and billionaire Rami Makhlouf - are competing to form a militia along the Syrian coast and in Lebanon. Their plan is for it to be composed of members of the Alawite sect, long associated with the Assad family.

In total, these two men and other factions vying for power are funding over 50,000 fighters in the hope of securing their loyalty.

One advantage for Hassan and Makhlouf is control over a network of 14 underground command rooms built along the Syrian coast at the end of Assad’s rule, as well as weapons caches. Two officers and a Syrian regional governor confirmed the existence of these hidden rooms.

Hassan, who was head of Assad’s military intelligence, constantly calls and sends voice messages to commanders and advisors.

Makhlouf, Assad’s cousin, once used his business empire to fund the dictator during the civil war, but later fell out with his more influential relatives and spent many years under house arrest. Now, in conversations and messages, he portrays himself as a messianic figure who will return to power after the start of an apocalyptic final battle.

However, Reuters notes that the exiles do not appear to have mobilized any forces yet. Moreover, many Alawites in Syria do not trust Assad’s former associates.

To counter the conspirators, the new Syrian government has enlisted another former supporter of Assad, a childhood friend of the new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Khaled al-Ahmad. He was a leader of Assad’s militarized formations but, after the dictator turned against him, joined the new authorities. His task is to convince former soldiers and Alawite civilians that their future lies with the new Syria.

The investigation’s details are based on interviews with 48 people directly familiar with the plans of potential insurgents. All spoke on condition of anonymity.

Kamal Hassan and Rami Makhlouf did not respond to requests for comment. Reuters was unable to reach Bashar or Maher al-Assad.

What Bashar al-Assad is accused of

In September 2025, the Syrian Ministry of Justice issued an arrest warrant for the country’s former president, Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia after the opposition’s victory in December 2024.

Assad is accused of intentional killings, torture of people, and provoking a civil war.