Islamist rebels in Syria have seized Bashar al-Assad’s presidential palace in a dramatic takeover, showcasing chaotic scenes of looting and uncovering an astonishing collection of luxury vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz, Porsches, Audis, and Ferraris.
Videos circulating on social media reveal looters exploring the sprawling New Shaab Palace, where an opulent garage houses the now-deposed dictator’s collection of exotic cars. Among the treasures, one sharp-eyed observer spotted a rare Mercedes-Benz with gullwing doors, according to The New York Post.
In addition to luxury cars, the rebels discovered SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and what appeared to be an armored vehicle. Videos shared on social media platform X capture rebels walking through the palace, snapping selfies, firing weapons into the air, and making off with valuable items.
Footage also shows men carting away furniture and artwork, while women dressed in full hijabs sifted through household items such as dishes and bed linens. One particularly striking clip revealed a fully stocked armory containing dozens of submachine guns.
Perched on a hill overlooking Damascus, the New Shaab Palace, built from stone and marble, is an imposing structure described by The Guardian as an “echoing monument to dictator decor.” The rebels reportedly found the palace abandoned after declaring control over Damascus in a swift offensive on Sunday. The fall of Damascus marks the end of five decades of Baathist rule in Syria, with Assad and his family fleeing the city.
Among the dictator’s luxurious car collection, rebels identified several notable vehicles, including Toyota Land Cruisers, a Ferrari F50, a Ferrari F430, a Lamborghini LM002, a Lamborghini Diablo SV, and an Aston Martin, along with numerous Lexus models.
Assad fled the country via plane and has since arrived in Moscow, where he and his family have been granted political asylum, according to Russian state media reports. The Kremlin is said to be in talks with Syrian opposition leaders to ensure the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic missions within Syria.
Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency quoted an unnamed Kremlin official, emphasizing Moscow’s ongoing commitment to a political solution for the Syrian conflict. “We have always advocated for dialogue in the Syrian crisis,” the source stated. “We remain hopeful that discussions will continue in the interests of the Syrian people and the future of Russian-Syrian relations.”
The dramatic fall of Assad’s regime marks a significant turning point in Syria’s history, as decades of authoritarian rule give way to an uncertain but momentous new chapter.