Islamist rebels in Syria have seized Bashar al-Assad’s presidential palace in a dramatic takeover, where they discovered a vast collection of luxury vehicles, including Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, and Ferrari.
Footage circulating on social media shows the looters exploring a large garage at the expansive New Shaab Palace, revealing the deposed leader’s private fleet. One sharp-eyed observer pointed out a rare Mercedes-Benz with gullwing doors, as reported by The NY Post.
In addition to the cars, the rebels also found SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and what appeared to be an armored truck. As they roamed through the opulent mansion, some were seen taking selfies, firing guns into the air, and even looting items. Another video showed men hauling away furniture and artwork, while women, dressed in full hijab, searched through the dishes and bed linens.
One clip also revealed an armory stocked with numerous submachine guns.
The palace, built from stone and marble and perched on a hill near Damascus, had once been described by The Guardian as an “echoing monument to dictator decor.”
Rebels found the palace abandoned after claiming victory in a swift assault on Damascus on Sunday, which forced President Bashar al-Assad to flee, effectively ending five decades of Baathist rule. Under Assad’s reign, the family lived in opulence while the Syrian people endured hardship.
The looted fleet included notable vehicles such as a Ferrari F50, Ferrari F430, Lamborghini LM002, Lamborghini Diablo SV, and several Lexus models, along with a few Toyota Land Cruisers.
Assad, who fled by plane, is now reportedly in Moscow, where he and his family have been granted political asylum, according to Russian state media. Sources in the Kremlin also stated that they are in talks with Syrian opposition leaders, who have promised to ensure the safety of Russian military and diplomatic establishments in Syria.
Russia has expressed hope for a continued political dialogue in Syria, aiming to promote peace and strengthen bilateral relations with the country.
