Elite forces (Syria)
| Elite forces | |
|---|---|
| قوات النخبة | |
| Leaders |
|
| Dates of operation | 27 April 2025 – present |
| Size | Alleged by Makhlouf:
|
| Allies |  Pro-Assad factions |
| Opponents |  Syria (Syrian transitional government) |
Elite forces (Arabic: قوات النخبة, romanized: Quwwāt an-Nukhba) is a Syrian militia announced in April 2025 by Rami Makhlouf, a prominent Syrian businessman and cousin of former President Bashar al-Assad. The group claims a force size of approximately 150,000 fighters, supported by an equivalent reserve force and around one million affiliated civilian members organized as popular committees. Its formation was officially declared through a lengthy statement posted on Makhlouf’s Facebook page.[1][2]
History
[edit]On 21 April 2025, Rami Makhlouf publicly announced the creation of the Elite forces via a Facebook post.[3] He described the force as an elite military formation aimed at protecting the Syrian coastal region from security threats and instability. Makhlouf stated that the creation of the Elite forces was carried out in collaboration with Suhayl al-Hasan, a prominent military figure formerly affiliated with the Syrian Army's elite units under Assad.[1]
The announcement came amid continued instability in the coastal region, following reported massacres and security lapses. According to Makhlouf, the initiative responded to what he characterized as the Syrian government's failure to protect the local population.[1]
Organization
[edit]The Elite forces reportedly consist of fifteen divisions, each composed of fighters described as "special forces". Additionally, an equally large reserve force is said to have been established. Makhlouf also claimed the mobilization of approximately one million civilians into popular committees supporting the main military body.[1]
The exact organizational structure, command hierarchy, and logistical capabilities of the group remain unclear. No independent verification of the group's strength or deployments has been made available.[4]
Ideology and goals
[edit]According to the public statement attributed to Rami Makhlouf, the Elite forces aim to:[1][2]
- Defend the Syrian coastal region against internal and external threats.
- Promote social and economic revitalization within the coastal areas.
- Establish a new political and security order in the region based on "justice, brotherhood, and tolerance".
- Cooperate with international actors, notably Russia, to guarantee protection and oversight of the region.
Makhlouf described the coastal region as deserving of special international protection and suggested placing its security and economic infrastructure under Russian supervision to ensure neutrality and stability.[1]
Controversies
[edit]The announcement of the Elite forces sparked significant controversy within Syria. Critics accused Makhlouf of attempting to create a semi-autonomous military and political entity separate from the central government. Allegations also surfaced linking Makhlouf and other ex-regime figures residing in Lebanon to the financing of previous unrest in the coastal areas.[2][4]
The emergence of the Elite forces was perceived by some observers as part of broader attempts to establish a new Alawite-centric political body.[2][5] While others saw it as Makhlouf's way to regain political and popular status while using the massacres of Alawites merely as a means to that.[6][7]
Furthermore, Makhlouf’s public denouncement of Bashar al-Assad as a "false lion"[a] and accusations of rampant corruption among his leadership underscored the profound schism between him and the then-ruling authorities.[2][4]
Reactions
[edit]Domestic
[edit]In response to Makhlouf’s statement, community leaders and residents of Makhlouf's hometown, Bustan al-Basha, issued a statement denouncing his messages and asserting that they do not represent the village or its people. The statement, published by a local notable, emphasized that such declarations from individuals abroad reflect only personal ambitions and risk harming the unity of Syria and the well-being of coastal communities.[8]
International
[edit]Makhlouf openly appealed to the international community, particularly to the Russian Federation, seeking recognition and protection for the coastal region. He proposed placing the Elite forces’ resources under Russian oversight to ensure that their role remained defensive rather than retaliatory.[1]
There has been no official response from Russia or other major international actors regarding the legitimacy or recognition of the Elite forces.
See also
[edit]- Alawites in Syria
- Alawite State
- Russian intervention in the Syrian civil war
- Western Syria clashes (December 2024–present)
- Western Syria clashes (March 2025–present)
- 2025 massacres of Syrian Alawites
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g "رامي مخلوف يعلن تشكيل «قوات النخبة» في الساحل السوري" [Rami Makhlouf announces the formation of "Elite Forces" in the Syrian coast]. Al-Quds Al-Arabi (in Arabic). 27 April 2025. Archived from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "رامي مخلوف يصف بشار بـ"الأسد المزيف" ويعلن تشكيل ميليشيا جديدة" [Rami Makhlouf describes Bashar as the "false lion" and announces the formation of a new militia]. Syria TV (in Arabic). 27 April 2025. Archived from the original on 27 April 2025. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ "رامي مخلوف لم ينفِ تشكيله "قوات النخبة"، والصفحة التي تحمل اسمه تعود له بالفعل" [Rami Makhlouf did not deny forming the "Elite Forces", and the page bearing his name is indeed his]. Verify-Sy (in Arabic). 28 April 2025. Archived from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ a b c "استعراض وقدرة مشكوك فيها.. ماذا وراء إعلان رامي مخلوف تشكيل قوة عسكرية؟" [A parade and questionable ability.. What is behind Rami Makhlouf’s announcement of forming a military force?]. Syria TV (in Arabic). 28 April 2025. Archived from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ "هل اقترب قيام دولة "إقليم الساحل السوري"؟.. رامي مخلوف يُعلن تفعيل "قوّات النخبة" فمن قائدها وماذا عن قوامها "المليوني" وعلمها "الأحمر" وهل تسعى لإسقاط الشرع وكيف يرد الأخير؟.. هل تتواجد روسيا بالخلفية وتُلبّي طلب الحماية وأين الأسد بين كُل هذا؟" [Has the establishment of the "Syrian Coastal Region State" approached? Rami Makhlouf announces the activation of "Elite Forces"—who is their commander, what about their "million-strong" structure and "red" flag, and do they aim to overthrow al-Sharaa? How does he respond? Is Russia in the background fulfilling the protection request, and where is Assad in all of this?]. Rai al-Youm (in Arabic). 27 April 2025. Archived from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ "رامي مخلوف يعلن تشكيل "قوات النخبة" لـ"حماية العلويين"" [Rami Makhlouf announces the formation of "Elite Forces" to "protect the Alawites"]. Grand Liban (in Arabic). 28 April 2025. Archived from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ "مغردون يجمعون على أن منشور رامي مخلوف محاولة لاستغلال الطائفية" [Users agree that Rami Makhlouf’s post is an attempt to exploit sectarianism]. Al Jazeera (in Arabic). 28 April 2025. Archived from the original on 29 April 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "ماذا وراء إعلان رامي مخلوف تشكيل قوة عسكرية؟" [What is behind Rami Makhlouf's announcement of forming a military force?]. Nabd (in Arabic). 28 April 2025. Archived from the original on 29 April 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
Notes
[edit]- ^ "Assad" in Arabic literally means lion.