Syrian rebels and civilians have been seen looting former leader Bashar al-Assad’s presidential residences in Damascus, marking the dramatic fall of his 53-year regime.
Videos shared online capture the chaotic scenes: children and men carrying furniture from Assad’s Al Rawda palace, armed individuals inside, and rebels posing in luxurious offices.
In one clip, celebratory voices echo through corridors as a man declares, “This is people’s money.” Another video, geolocated by CNN, shows a woman exploring a well-stocked kitchen in a residence believed to be in the Al Maliki neighborhood. The kitchen featured high-end equipment, fresh produce, and a notebook detailing personalized menus for Assad’s household.
Rebels also uncovered Assad’s vast collection of luxury cars, including Mercedes, Ferraris, and Audis, while others looted Syria’s central bank, walking off with sacks of cash. Opposition soldiers were even spotted inside Assad’s presidential palace, with state television broadcasting their movements.
Assad reportedly fled via aircraft to an undisclosed location early this morning as rebel forces advanced on the capital’s suburbs, reaching areas they hadn’t controlled since 2018. The rebels’ arrival signals the end of an era for the Assad dynasty and the chaotic unraveling of his once-firm grip on Syria.
