Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri has voiced significant apprehension regarding reports of former Syrian regime supporters active within Lebanon’s borders. Following a surge in media reports and public discussion, Mitri called upon the nation’s security services to investigate the validity of these claims and implement the required protocols.
Through a post on his X account on Friday, 2 January, Mitri asserted that it is the obligation of Lebanon’s security apparatus to address such intelligence with gravity. He issued a warning against any maneuvers that might compromise the security, stability, or territorial integrity of Syria, regardless of whether such actions are conducted within Lebanon or launched from its soil.
To mitigate these threats, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination with Syrian authorities. He noted that such cooperation should be established on the foundations of “trust and mutual respect for the sovereignty of both countries and the shared interest.”
Reports of Pro-Regime Activity in Border Regions
These warnings coincide with an investigative report by Al Jazeera, which cited exclusive recordings and documentation detailing the movements of figures associated with the previous Syrian government. These activities are reportedly concentrated in Lebanese border towns, particularly al-Haysa within the Akkar Plain in northern Lebanon.
The network disclosed that roughly 20 pilots who served in the former regime’s military are currently living in Lebanon alongside their families. These individuals were reportedly relocated via Iranian channels but were subsequently abandoned. According to the report, they are now attempting to enlist in groups that are being organized for potential future military operations.
One specific document highlighted by Al Jazeera suggests these pilots are staying at a hotel and have requested to be incorporated into forces that are currently being established. Furthermore, records allegedly show that the former head of the “Elite Forces,” Major General Suheil al-Hassan, has set up a “large” office in the al-Haysa region. This site reportedly serves as a command center for coordinating military actions aimed at the new Syrian government and reorganizing loyalist ranks.
The leaks also identified Mahmoud al-Salman, a commander loyal to the former regime who possesses Lebanese citizenship. Situated in the Dahr Bashir area of northern Lebanon, al-Salman has previously participated in the Syrian conflict and is said to be preparing for a role in a fresh armed mobilization.
Details of the Al Jazeera Disclosures
Starting on 31 December 2025, Al Jazeera began broadcasting audio files obtained by a hacker. The hacker reportedly engaged in phone conversations with Suheil al-Hassan and the former commander of the “42nd Brigade,” Ghayath Dalla, by posing as an Israeli officer in charge of the Syria file. The network claims to possess 74 hours of these recordings, which were captured between April 2025 and December 2025.
The documents and audio clips continue to be released, with the network stating they expose the participation of high-ranking officers from ousted President Bashar al-Assad’s administration in plots to seize the Syrian coast and undermine national stability.
Military Capabilities and Internal Disputes
According to the leaked files, the number of personnel loyal to the former regime has reached approximately 168,000 fighters. These forces are reportedly spread across various sectors, including Damascus, Homs, Hama, and the coastal region. Their reported inventory of weaponry includes artillery, anti-tank missiles, and a variety of light and medium arms.
The disclosures also shed light on organizational and financial conflicts between Major General Suheil al-Hassan and Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of Bashar al-Assad. Reports indicate that al-Hassan has been accused of inflating the number of fighters in his ranks to secure higher levels of financial support.
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