Rami Makhlouf, cousin of the ousted Syrian President and a major Syrian tycoon, announced on Facebook the creation of a military body with senior Assad regime officer Suheil al-Hassan ("The Tiger") to defend the Alawite minority and support the coastal region.

Al-Hassan, a former major general, last commanded the 25th Special Forces Division under the 5th Corps, which was funded and trained by Russia and operated under Russian command from the Hmeimim Airbase.

In his post, Makhlouf claims he has an elite force of about 150,000 personnel, calling on Russia and the international community to support Syria’s Alawite coastal area. He criticized the new Damascus government for failing to protect the Alawite minority, citing a recent massacre in Homs.

Makhlouf also attacked Bashar al-Assad, calling him a “fake lion” and accusing him of being a puppet rather than a ruler. Reports indicate Makhlouf was recently seen at a hotel in Moscow.

Background Note:

Makhlouf, currently in Moscow, selected Suheil al-Hassan not necessarily because he was the best officer, but due to Russian backing. Putin had once provided Hassan with elite Spetsnaz protection against Assad’s assassination attempts, fearing Russian interference.

Russia now aims to reestablish an Alawite Syria centered along the coast, where it controls the Hmeimim airbase and the Tartus naval facility.

Meanwhile, Iran also pushes for an Alawite military force with its own preferred candidate, Brigadier General Ri'ath Dala, former commander of the 42nd Armored Brigade of the 4th Division under Maher al-Assad, Bashar’s brother.

The 4th Division was heavily influenced by Iran, but Russia later seized much of its armor to weaken Iranian military influence.

In summary, if Suheil al-Hassan — whose rank depended solely on Russian demands — takes command, the Alawite army is likely to fail.