When Islamist rebel forces made their way into Damascus and stormed the palace of Bashar al-Assad, a remarkable sight unfolded. A massive fleet of high-end cars, including the likes of Mercedes, Porches, Audis, and Ferraris, greeted them. Videos shared on social media depicted gleeful looters touring a vast garage within the presidential palace, filled to the brim with these luxurious roadsters from the deposed dictator's private collection.

Discovering the Treasures

One eagle-eyed commenter pointed out a coveted Mercedes-Benz with gullwing doors, adding to the allure of the loot. SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and even an armored truck awaited the rebels as they traipsed through the sprawling mansion. They took selfies, fired guns into the air, and made off with anything that wasn't firmly bolted down. The palace, a sprawling, blocky fortress of stone and marble perched on a hill on the outskirts of Damascus, was once described by The Guardian as an "echoing monument to dictator decor."After Assad absconded by plane to an unknown location, as reported by Reuters, the rebels found the palace abandoned. This marked the end of 24 years of brutal rule during which the dictator and his family lived in opulence while the people suffered.In one video, men could be seen hauling away furniture and artwork, while women in full hijab picked through the dishes and bed linens. Another video revealed an armory stocked with scores of submachine guns, with one poster quipping, "I imagine he and those close to [Assad]... thought: 'we have enough ammo! We are invincible! Nothing can shake us!'"Trucks and SUVs were among Assad's personal stash of vehicles. In another video, looters discovered a bunker network hidden deep under the main structure, with the concrete floors littered with what appeared to be empty cigar boxes and gun cases. One poster, Abdullah Almousa, wrote in Arabic, "He who fears the people digs hundreds of feet underground."The palace wasn't the only government building to be ransacked as soldiers peeled off their uniforms and abandoned their posts. In the garage, videos showed Audis, Mercedes, and Ferraris, along with other high-end car brands. One user posted a video claiming to show people carrying sacks of "money and valuables" from the central bank, writing, "The smart people did not go to Assad's palace for chandeliers, but to the bank for cash and gold!"These events offer a unique perspective on the fall of a regime and the aftermath of such a power shift. It showcases the extent of the looting and the chaos that ensued in the wake of the rebels' victory. The images and videos provide a vivid account of a moment in history that will be remembered for years to come.