Story perspectives

Alawite Militias Funded by Ex-Spy Chief to Challenge Syrian Government

12/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

Reuters reports that Syria's former spy chief Major-General Kamal Hassan and billionaire cousin Rami Makhlouf are funding militias among the Alawite minority.
They aim to recruit over 50,000 fighters to challenge the government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Commanders say fighters receive minimal pay and often double-dip.
Prospects of an uprising are low due to conflicts, lack of Russian support, and mistrust among Alawites, and Syria's government is prepared to counter them.

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Story summary

Reuters reports that Syria's former spy chief Major-General Kamal Hassan and billionaire cousin Rami Makhlouf are funding militias among the Alawite minority.
They aim to recruit over 50,000 fighters to challenge the government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Commanders say fighters receive minimal pay and often double-dip.
Prospects of an uprising are low due to conflicts, lack of Russian support, and mistrust among Alawites, and Syria's government is prepared to counter them.