Has Maher al-Assad Returned to Syria? Controversy and Official Response

“The return of Maher al-Assad and the withdrawal of military factions affiliated with the new Syrian administration from the cities of Latakia and Tartous” — two statements that spread like wildfire, sparking concern and debate in Syria.

These two claims, later proven to be nothing more than a “joke” by an individual, surfaced in recent hours on Syrian social media platforms, prompting an official response from the Syrian administration.

• Where Are Maher al-Assad and Ali Mamlouk Hiding? What Are Their Plans?

• Maher Al-Assad Abandons Hezbollah to Avoid Israeli Strikes

What happened?

The platform “Verify,” recently known in Syria for fact-checking circulating news, revealed that the person behind these rumors was a young Syrian named Nour Halabi.

Although the initial post making this claim was only visible for three minutes on his account before Halabi himself published another post clarifying that he was joking, the rumors quickly gained traction.

The rapid spread of these false claims caused notable concern among Syrians, given the misleading nature of the information.

• Europe and Syria After al-Assad: “A New Political Beginning”

• Bashar Al-Assad: Details of the Final Days in Syria

Official Response

The official response came from Sājid Allah al-Dik, a military commander at the Ministry of Defense, in an exclusive statement to the “Syria” television channel. He confirmed that “the circulating reports about the withdrawal of the military operations administration from the city of Jableh are unfounded,” emphasizing that “the relevant units in the operations and public security administration remain stationed at their positions and military barracks.”

He further stressed that “these rumors aim to undermine morale and disrupt the joy of victory,” urging the Syrian people not to be swayed by such false news and to uphold security and stability in the country.

• Key Leaders of the “al-Assad Regime”: Where Are They Now?

• Secret Turkish Deals with Russia and Iran Accelerated al-Assad’s fall

• Russia Reduces Military Presence in Syria Following al-Assad’s fall

• The fall of Al-Assad Sparks Political Debate in Iran