Former Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam has disclosed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is currently mobilizing weapons in the Alawite areas.
In an interview with the French newspaper “Le Figaro,” Khaddam stated, “Assad is attempting to execute a plan to fragment the country. He and his family are distributing rifles and machine guns among the cities and villages predominantly inhabited by Alawites, their own sect.” He highlighted that rockets and strategic weapons have been fully transferred, while Assad plans to deploy fighter jets to Latakia airport. Additionally, tanks and artillery have been relocated, as the regime deems it necessary to retain some for the suppression of demonstrators in cities. The Syrian authorities have initiated the movement of weapons and heavy equipment from the streets to the coast, concealing them behind hills and elevated areas.
Khaddam emphasized that Assad is currently implementing a scheme aimed at instigating a sectarian war. The regime, having lost its influence, has no alternative but to pursue a plan that destabilizes and divides Syria, ultimately resulting in the destruction of the country.
He further revealed, “One month ago, Assad confided in one of his Lebanese allies his intention to establish an Alawite state, which he could utilize as a launching pad for a civil and sectarian war.”
In the same context, Khaled Kamal, a member of the National Assembly from Latakia, affirmed the statements made by Abdel Halim Khaddam. In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he stated, “Since the beginning of the revolution, the Assad regime has initiated sectarian armament in selected areas. They have been distributing weapons to each family under the pretext of self-defense.”
Khaddam had previously highlighted that Alawites constitute 8% of the Syrian population, emphasizing that not all Alawites support Bashar al-Assad’s regime. He noted that Alawites are relocating from the southwest towards Homs and shifting towards Hama and the coastal city of Latakia.
He further remarked, “Assad is unwilling to flee and reject all Arab opportunities. His only recourse is to destabilize and fragment Syria.”
Khaddam expressed his belief that this plan will ultimately fail as the Syrian people will defend their unity and strive to maintain the country’s cohesion. However, he expressed concern that such circumstances might give rise to the emergence of radical terrorist organizations.
He also pointed out that Bashar Al-Assad possesses numerous underground hideouts where he and his family can seek refuge.
