The Deposed Assad Henchmen Plotting to Retake Syria
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Former top spymasters and generals of Bashar al-Assad's regime, who suppressed the Syrian revolt for over a decade, are now plotting to undermine the new government that ousted them.
- These ex-regime officials, though often divided, are determined to regain influence in Syria, with some attempting to build an armed insurgency from exile.
- One former commander has supported a group behind a significant lobbying effort in Washington, while others aim to control Syria’s coastal region, home to the Alawite sect linked to Assad.
- Intercepted communications reveal plans to rearm before launching any operations, highlighting ongoing tensions in Syria after 13 years of civil war.
