Rami Makhlouf is accused of funding the events on the Syrian coast.
The "Syria TV" website reported from a special source about the involvement of Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, along with other individuals residing in Lebanon and linked to the previous regime, in funding the events of the Syrian coast that the region witnessed last March. The source added that there are ongoing investigations to verify the accuracy of this information.
The source also reported that Makhlouf is seeking to establish a "Alawite political entity" with direct support from Iran, as part of his attempts to reshape his influence after being sidelined by the regime.
Announcement of the "Syrian Coast Region" and the Formation of New Forces
In a related context, the "Syria Post" website quoted statements by Makhlouf in which he confirmed his cooperation with "Commander Nimr Abu al-Hasan" to reactivate the "Elite Forces" in what he called the "Syrian Coast Region."
He claimed to have formed 15 military brigades comprising about 150,000 members of the "Special Forces," in addition to a similar reserve force, and established "popular committees" with a total of one million people.
Makhlouf announced that the region's flag is red, white, and black, calling on the Syrian government to "cooperate to protect the country," considering that the "Coast Region" needs "social and economic revitalization."
He also sent a message saying: "I extend my hand to you to start a new era characterized by security, safety, and goodness for all," indicating that he will not accept any settlement to return his confiscated businesses "before the people of the coastal region live with dignity and peace."
International and Russian Community Appeal
Makhlouf called on the international community, especially Russia, to "sponsor the Syrian Coast Region," offering his "economic, military, and popular capabilities" under the supervision of the international community.
He also called for "engaging with the Damascus government to find a joint working mechanism," emphasizing that the forces he gathered aim to "protect the people of the region and not seek revenge." He accused Bashar al-Assad of "exiling" him and described him as a "fake lion," saying: "Had it not been for my exile, Syria would not have fallen."
From "Family Treasury" to Marginalized Figure
Rami Makhlouf was one of the pillars of the former regime's economy, dominating vital sectors such as telecommunications, oil, and real estate for decades, and was described as the "Assad family's treasury." He also played a key role in financing the regime's security and military apparatus, making him a disliked figure among a wide sector of Syrians.
However, his alliance with Bashar al-Assad collapsed after 2019 when the regime launched a campaign to seize his funds under the pretext of "fighting corruption," leading to his marginalization and travel ban. Nevertheless, Makhlouf attempted to return to the forefront during crises, as he did during the "Deterrence of Aggression" battle by recording a call urging the regime forces to "persevere" and promising financial support to Brigadier Suhail al-Hassan, in an attempt to regain his influence through military support.
