Al-Assad’s associates planning uprisings from Russia: Report

Former loyalists to deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad are reportedly channeling millions into efforts to recruit fighters for uprisings against the new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as revealed by a Reuters investigation. Major-General Kamal Hassan and billionaire Rami Makhlouf, both in exile, are competing to build militias among the Alawite minority, financing over 50,000 fighters despite low loyalty and pay. However, prospects for a successful uprising are dim, as they lack strong backing and face mistrust from the Alawite community. Meanwhile, the Syrian government is implementing counter-strategies to maintain stability and international legitimacy.

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