Among the various Alawite insurgent groups operating in Syria, some claim affiliation with the ‘Tiger Forces’ of former Assad regime army general Suhayl al-Husayn. The ‘Tiger Forces’ subsequently became the Russian-backed ‘Division 25’, though the division could do little to stem the rapid collapse of the Assad regime last year. Now, according to a recent Reuters report, Suhayl al-Hasan is involved in efforts to support Alawite insurgent activity against the government.
To discuss some of these issues, below is a recent interview with ‘Fawj al-Zhall’ (‘Regiment of the Shadow’), which claims affiliation with the ‘Tiger Forces.’ Any parenthetical insertions in square brackets are my own.
Q: Can you tell us about the establishment of Fawj al-Zhall and its aims?
A: The regiment was established by Zhall al-Wilaya [‘Shadow of the Wilaya’] after the massacres on the coast and the violations against the Alawites committed by Jowlani’s gangs. The regiment’s aims:
1. Above all, revenge for the blood of Shaykh Shaaban Mansur (may God sanctify his spirit), a symbol of humanity and tolerance.
2. Waging war on al-Jowlani’s authority that aims to turn Syria into an Islamic state and caliphate.
3. Fighting the Chechen and Afghan mercenaries that were brought by the one called al-Jowlani.
Q: I see that the regiment uses the symbol of the Tiger Forces for example. Were the regiment’s personnel affiliated with the Tiger Forces previously or is there a link with Suhayl al-Hasan, who is in Russia?
A: Yes. We are of the Tiger’s men and we were fighting with him until the last moment when we left Hama the night of the fall [of the former regime]. For the Tiger is a symbol of courage. And we are linked to him until now and waiting for a signal from him to destroy terrorism.
Q: What’s your position on the former government? For example do you want to return Bashar al-Assad to the position of president or is the aim for example just to establish a federal democratic system in Syria?
A: We want peace and security and to support the oppressed. We don’t care about individual personalities. We want to establish a federal system particular to us.
We want peace and security and to support the oppressed. We don’t care about individual personalities. We want to establish a federal system particular to us.
Q: Does the regiment have links with other formations like Coastal Shield and the Men of Light?
A: We have a link with formations affiliated with the Men of the Tiger. We don’t have contact or any links with those you have mentioned.
Q: What’s your position on the trials the Jowlani government has announced against the perpetrators of the violations on the coast?
A: A fake show trial. They are only covering for their crime in the media. In truth, they won’t try anyone and are always in any matter the justification is ‘remnants’- a term they have devised and apply to Alawite youth. Their aim is clear: to exterminate the minorities.
Q: A report by Reuters recently disseminated, claiming that the Tiger [Suhayl al-Hasan] is working with Rami Makhlouf who is providing financial support for the formations affiliated with the Tiger. Is this true?
A: This report is untrue and false. The Tiger is not affiliated with anyone, and we are all behind the words of Shaykh Ghazal Ghazal and our ranks are united.
Q: How do you view the SDF group? In your view is the SDF playing a positive role in the country? What are your expectations regarding the negotiations to merge the SDF under the Jowlani government?
A: The SDF has proven it is a source of security and their mindset is civilised, especially as they have incorporated Alawite fighters. I think the merger issue is particular to them, but most likely it will fail and they won’t merge. The SDF has protected many of the oppressed and combats Daesh [Islamic State].
The SDF has protected many of the oppressed and combats Daesh [Islamic State].
Q: During the recent demonstrations on the coast, some called for Israel to protect the Alawite sect. In your view can the Alawites trust Israel to protect them or is this something rejected?
A: Yes. They trust Israel, which is a powerful state. The Alawite people want to be rid of the current terrorist government by any means, and stop the killing committed against the sect.
Q: What’s your position on Iran and Hezbollah after the fall of the prior government and what’s your message to the international community?
A: I think Iran was helping the former regime to combat and destroy terrorism, but no one knows what happened [in the end]. Our message: we demand international protection, the creation of an Alawite army that protects all the minorities, and our separation from the terrorist Jowlani government.
Published originally on December 22, 2025.
