Bashar al-Assad reportedly left behind a multi-million dollar collection of luxury cars when he fled Syria, including exclusive brands such as Mercedes, Ferraris and Porsches.
The presidential palace of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, located on a hill outside Damascus, was overrun by Islamist rebel forces on Sunday.
Images shared on social media show the vast fleet of luxury cars abandoned at the site, including Mercedes, Porsches, Ferraris and armored SUVs.
The insurgents, who came to power after weeks of intense fighting, have turned the space into a chaotic scene of looting and celebration.
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Videos show fighters exploring a garage full of high-powered vehicles value, while others wandered around the mansion taking selfies and firing guns into the air.
The property, known for its imposing stone and marble design, the extreme luxury available to the dictator was a contrast to the reality faced by the Syrian population over the past decades.
The fall of Assad in Syria
Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus on a plane to an unknown destination, ending 24 years of rule marked by repression.
During their rule, the Assad family maintained a life of privilege while the Syrian people faced increasing hardship, especially after the outbreak of the civil war in 2011.
In addition to the vehicles, the rebels found luxurious furniture, works of art and even an arsenal with dozens of submachine guns.
In another video, looters discovered a network of bunkers underground.
The hidden compartments were filled with empty cigar boxes and gun cases, highlighting the extravagant lifestyle and security paranoia that characterized Assad's government.
Who is Bashar al-Assad
Bashar al-Assad, now 59, came to power in 2000, succeeding his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for three decades after a 1971 coup.
A member of the Alawite minority, Assad initially had a distant path from politics.
A doctor specializing in ophthalmology, he studied in London before taking over the country after the unexpected death of his older brother, Basil, in 1994.
He was “elected” through referendums that were widely criticized by the international community, with approval ratings above 97%.
During his terms in office, he consolidated an authoritarian government, repressing dissent and centralizing power in his family. Since 2011, he has faced a devastating civil war that has weakened his leadership.
The fall of apricot
Damascus, the scene of decisive clashes, saw insurgents approach the capital in a lightning offensive that began 10 days ago.
Led by the extremist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), rebel forces captured strategic cities including Aleppo and Homs before encircling the capital. Other opposition fronts have emerged from the south and east, intensifying the siege.
HTS, which originated as an affiliate of al-Qaeda, played a central role in toppling statues of Bashar's father Hafez al-Assad in several cities. Military bases were seized, symbolizing the end of an era marked by brutality and authoritarianism.