ALBAWABA - Newly obtained recordings and documents by Al Jazeera reveal attempts by senior figures from the former Syrian regime to regroup and prepare for an armed operation aimed at destabilizing Syria, particularly targeting the coastal region.
The materials indicate that influential commanders who served under ousted president Bashar al-Assad have been coordinating efforts to reorganize militarily, with the goal of challenging the authority of Syria’s current government.
According to the recordings—scheduled to be aired on Al Jazeera’s investigative program Al-Mutahari—former special forces commander Suheil al-Hassan is at the center of these efforts, with financial and logistical backing reportedly provided by businessman Rami Makhlouf, Assad’s cousin.
The documents also point to the involvement of former brigadier general Ghiath Dalla, alongside other military and security figures previously holding senior positions within the regime. Discussions reportedly included operational planning and the reactivation of loyalist networks.
Al Jazeera reported that the leaked materials originated from someone who managed to infiltrate the phones of several former regime officials. This person, masquerading as an Israeli intelligence officer, gained access to sensitive communications. These included audio recordings and documents detailing military plans.
The collection encompasses over 74 hours of recordings and more than 600 documents. They provide insight into the efforts of former regime elements to coordinate their actions and rebuild command structures.
The recordings also reveal al-Hassan expressing admiration for Israeli military operations in Gaza. He also tried to secure what he thought would be Israeli backing for his planned activities within Syria.
The communications hint at efforts to create outside connections, likely to gain support for possible military action.
