Watan-Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, announced in a post on his personal Facebook page the formation of 15 military divisions under the banner of “Elite Forces,” with a total of about 150,000 fighters, supported by popular committees numbering around one million people.
Makhlouf described Bashar al-Assad as a “fake lion,” saying in his post: “Had it not been for that fake lion who distanced us, along with those of us who stood for truth, including my spiritual friend, Commander Al-Nimr (Abu Al-Hassan), Syria would not have fallen.”
He emphasized that those who supported Syria during Assad’s reign—militarily, economically, socially, and administratively—helped prevent the country’s army from collapsing during the war. “We always corrected the mistakes of those young men who ran the country and drowned it in injustice, corruption, and burdened the people with suffering, poverty, and drugs,” he added.
Makhlouf’s Statement: Betrayal, Elite Forces, and a Call for Security and Peace
Makhlouf further stated that Assad is “ruled, not a ruler,” explaining: “Those who were immersed in the pleasures of worldly life, drowning in its wealth, believed themselves to be rulers, but in fact, they are ruled. After the liberation of the country and the relief of the people, they betrayed us, isolated us, detained us, and humiliated us. Then came the miracle of the Syrians, who isolated them, humiliated them, and made the entire world curse them after their escape.”
Regarding the “Elite Forces” he formed on the Syrian coast, Makhlouf said: “Today… my brother, Commander Al-Nimr, and I answered the call. We worked day and night for several weeks, gathering our forces, preparing ourselves, and revitalizing the Elite Forces. We formed fifteen divisions, totaling around 150,000 special forces men, alongside a similar-sized reserve force. We also prepared popular committees of about one million people, ready to defend ourselves against anyone coming to slaughter us.”
He directed a message to the Syrian government, stating: “You have not been able to protect us from slaughter, killing, kidnapping, and enslavement, which still continues to this day. The massacre in Homs, which claimed dozens of lives, is a clear witness to the lack of security. Let us cooperate to protect the country, ensure the welfare of the people, and restore security, especially in the Syrian coastal region, while revitalizing it socially and economically through our cooperation. I extend my hand to you to begin a new era of security and peace for all.”
Makhlouf added: “You know well that I did not accept any settlement for my businesses before our people in the coastal region live in dignity and peace. After that, I am ready to discuss any settlement that serves our people. Let everyone know that the flag of the Syrian coastal region is red, white, and black, as shown on my page.”
Makhlouf Announces “Coastal Youth” and Calls for International Protection
Makhlouf declared: “From the heart of this region, I announce the emergence of the ‘Coastal Youth,’ supported by God’s strength, to stand for the oppressed and extend a helping hand to those in need. I will be a servant of the people, by God’s command. Whoever wants to know more, let them search with sincerity and diligence.”
He appealed to the international community and Russia to protect what he called the “Coastal Region” in exchange for “utilizing its resources under their supervision.” He said: “We call on the international community, especially our friends in the Russian Federation, to take the Syrian coastal region under their protection, ensuring that all our economic, military, and popular resources are under their supervision. This is to guarantee that all the forces we have assembled do not seek revenge but aim to protect our people from any attack that could lead to another massacre.”
He also asked their friends to engage with the Damascus government to find ways for joint cooperation, leading to stability in the Syrian coastal region, reviving life there, and solving problems like unemployment.
Makhlouf concluded his message to the Syrian people, claiming that the goal of forming these forces is “to erase the past scenes and start a new era based on brotherhood, love, tolerance, and resolving differences. Let us start by rebuilding our country economically, socially, and militarily, and we will raise it agriculturally, industrially, and touristically.”
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