What's happened
Exiled Syrian figures, including Bashar al-Assad’s former allies, are financing militias and plotting to regain influence amid ongoing civil conflict. Clashes over control of Alawite regions and underground command centers threaten Syria’s fragile stability, as the new government under President al-Sharaa consolidates power. Today’s date: Fri, 05 Dec 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Power Struggles in Exile
The recent revelations highlight a persistent and dangerous power struggle among Assad’s former allies, now in exile. Hassan and Makhlouf’s efforts to build militias and control underground command centers suggest a potential for renewed violence and sectarian conflict. Their financing of over 50,000 fighters indicates a significant threat to the stability of the new Syrian government.
Regional and International Dynamics
Moscow’s role is pivotal; it has shifted support away from these exiled factions towards President al-Sharaa’s government, aiming to secure its strategic interests in Tartous. The rivalry between Hassan and Makhlouf is further complicated by their mistrust and the low pay of fighters, which undermines their influence.
Implications for Syria’s Future
The existence of these clandestine networks and ongoing plotting underscores the fragility of Syria’s transition. While the new government is deploying counter-strategies, the potential for renewed conflict remains high, especially if these factions attempt to mobilize sectarian support or challenge the authority of al-Sharaa’s regime. The situation suggests that Syria’s path to stability will be long and fraught with internal divisions and external pressures.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Assad’s exiled allies, Hassan and Makhlouf, are competing to form militias and control underground networks in coastal Syria, financing over 50,000 fighters. Reuters details their efforts to build influence and the existence of underground command rooms stocked with weapons. Al Jazeera emphasizes the broader context of Syria’s ongoing transition, highlighting the threat these factions pose to stability. All sources agree that Moscow’s support has shifted away from these exiled factions, favoring President al-Sharaa’s government, which is actively countering these plots. The articles collectively portray a complex power struggle that could influence Syria’s future stability.
How we got here
Following Syria’s fall in December 2024, opposition forces led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa seized key cities including Hama and Damascus, ending Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule. Assad, now in exile in Russia, faces internal rivalries among former loyalists and new factions vying for control of Alawite-majority areas. These factions, financed by exiled figures like Kamal Hassan and Rami Makhlouf, are building militias and underground networks to challenge the new government and restore influence. Moscow’s shifting support and regional tensions further complicate the landscape, as Syria navigates a transition marked by sectarian tensions, foreign interventions, and internal power struggles.
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Who’s Fighting for Control in Exiled Syria? Key Power Struggles Explained
Syria’s political landscape remains volatile, even in exile. Exiled figures like Hassan and Makhlouf are financing militias and vying for influence over key regions, threatening the fragile stability of the country. As internal clashes intensify, many wonder: who is really in control, and could these conflicts spark renewed violence? Below, we explore the main players, their motives, and what this means for Syria’s future.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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Rami Makhlouf is a Syrian businessman and the maternal cousin of president Bashar al-Assad. At the beginning of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 he was considered to be among the wealthiest and powerful men in Syria; according to Syrian analysts he is part of
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