Assad’s cousin claims formation of 150,000 force to “defend coast”
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – In a lengthy social media post on Sunday, Rami Makhlouf, cousin of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, announced the formation of 15 military divisions comprising 150,000 fighters tasked with defending Syria’s coastal region, under the slogan “No to Revenge.”
Makhlouf opened his statement by referencing what he described as the “coastal massacre” that took place in March.
He declared the establishment of 15 divisions made up of special forces, alongside an equivalent number of reserve troops and popular committees, with a total potential force reaching up to one million people. Among those involved is Suhail al-Hassan, a military figure wanted by Syrian transitional authorities.
The announcement comes from the same Makhlouf who had earlier warned of Syria’s impending collapse and publicly blamed Bashar al-Assad for the country’s deteriorating conditions.
“We are a people who were oppressed under the previous regime and slaughtered under the new one,” Makhlouf wrote. “It is our right to defend ourselves against anyone who comes to kill us.”
In a strikingly contradictory tone, Makhlouf simultaneously called for reconciliation, saying, “Here is my hand extended to you. Let us end our disputes and conflicts. It is time for reconciliation. Let us replace the shedding of blood with tears of joy upon reuniting with loved ones.”
Addressing the Syrian transitional government, Makhlouf said, “You have failed to protect us from slaughter, murder, abduction, and captivity, which continue to this day.”
“Allow us to cooperate to safeguard the country, serve its people, and establish security and stability — especially in the Syrian coastal region,” he noted.
Makhlouf further appealed to the international community, particularly to Syria’s ally, Russia, calling for international protection for the coastal region, “We in the coastal region call on the international community — above all, our friends in the Russian Federation — to place the Syrian coast under their care.”
He pledged that all economic, military, and popular resources mobilized for this initiative would be placed under international supervision to guarantee that the newly formed forces seek only to protect the coastal population, not to pursue acts of revenge.