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Assad Disbands Makhlouf Militias, Renames 'Tiger Forces'

Syrian regime force (AFP)
Syrian regime force (AFP)
    Damascus, New York, London - Asharq Al-Awsat
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Assad Disbands Makhlouf Militias, Renames 'Tiger Forces'

Syrian regime force (AFP)
Syrian regime force (AFP)

Various sources confirmed on Thursday that the latest series of measures taken by head of the Syrian regime, Bashar Assad, against companies owned by his cousin, Rami Makhlouf, in Syria, involved Al-Bustan Association and its linked armed organizations.

This week, reports said that Assad took measures against Makhlouf’s shares in the state-owned Syrian Telecom Company (Syriatel), the country’s biggest mobile phone company. Makhlouf, Assad’s first cousin and the son of Mohammed Makhlouf, is considered a top businessman in Syria.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights quoted sources as saying that Assad decided to end and disband the military wing of “Al-Bustan” after Russia gave its orders to limit the expansion of continuous recruitment by the association in return for attractive financial salaries, particularly in the Syrian South.

The Observatory said the association would continue its work in the charitable side, maintaining its cadres and management under the supervision of the Syrian “Presidency” and the Social Affairs Ministry.

In late 2018, the SOHR said it found that Al-Bustan Association worked on recruiting youths and men with attractive financial salaries of up to $350 per month.

Meanwhile, members of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party were informed about the lessening of some of their privileges due to Makhlouf’s known support of the SSNP ideology.

Makhlouf founded several companies, including Cham Holding. He was later linked to financing pro-regime forces and their linked militias, mainly through Al-Bustan Association.

Separately, in Damascus the Tiger Forces have been renamed and placed under the command of the army’s central command.

The Tiger Forces have been renamed Division 25 Special Mission Forces and will remain under the command of Major General Suheil Al-Hassan.

The Tiger Forces surfaced in the Syrian war during the Hama, Aleppo and eastern Homs battles.

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Arab World

Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
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Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that Türkiye and Lebanon have agreed to collaborate on Syria in the post-Bashar al-Assad era. During a press conference alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Erdogan said: “A new chapter has begun in Syria. We agree that, as two key neighbors of Syria, we must work together.”
Mikati received an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting followed by an expanded ministerial session. Separate working meetings were also held between Turkish and Lebanese ministers.
During the joint press conference, Erdogan pointed to the challenges Lebanon and Palestine faced this year due to “Israeli threats and aggression.” He emphasized that “Lebanon’s security is inseparable from the stability of the region, just as regional peace cannot be achieved without a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
He added: “Any state that believes increased killing will bring security is making a grave mistake. Israel refuses to understand this truth.”
He also praised Mikati’s leadership and stressed the need for a ceasefire and Israel’s adherence to it.
On Syria, Erdogan stated that a new phase has begun, emphasizing the need for stability in the country.
He said: “For 13 years, we have endured instability in Syria, which has caused immense suffering in the region. Türkiye opened its doors and welcomed Syrians, just as Lebanon did. Achieving stability in Syria and returning it to normalcy are priorities for the coming phase. Establishing a permanent and sustainable governance structure is essential for Syrians and the region.”
Erdogan reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He continued: “Lebanon and Türkiye will stand by Syria to support its recovery in the coming phase. As we have done in the past, we will act as good neighbors, promoting Syria’s stability. The international community must also take responsibility to ensure regional security and stability.”
For his part, Mikati expressed gratitude to Erdogan, saying: “At every critical juncture Lebanon faces, you have been a steadfast supporter on all levels. We deeply appreciate your brotherly spirit toward our nation and people.”
Mikati highlighted the suffering Lebanon continues to endure due to Israeli aggression, which has caused significant human, economic, financial, social, and environmental damage in recent months.
He underlined the importance of Türkiye’s support in halting Israeli aggression, given its extensive network of Arab and international relationships.
On Syria, Mikati acknowledged Ankara’s active role in the region and reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, expressing hope for freedom and stability for the Syrian people. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening Lebanon-Syria relations based on mutual respect and good neighborly ties.