Civilians and rebels invade President Bashar al-Assad's palace and residence in Damascus
Civilians and rebels looted Bashar al-Assad's palace in Damascus, CNN and the BBC reported. People from outside also entered the former dictator's luxurious mansion. The first photos of the inside of the occupied building have been released, including a Syrian man sitting at the ousted president's desk.
Bashar al-Assad ruled Syria autocratically for 24 years but was overthrown by Islamic rebels who occupied Damascus between Saturday and Sunday night. He fled the capital, and his subsequent fate is unknown.
Unofficial reports said he had died in a plane crash, but Russia's Foreign Ministry later announced that he had resigned as president, suggesting he was still alive.
Syria. Assad Palace and Mansion in Damascus is now “Available”
Photos have been posted online showing people breaking into the previously heavily guarded presidential palace in Damascus. They celebrate the fall of the regime in luxurious rooms and carry away furniture and other valuable equipment.
Associated Press/Omar Sanadiki Rebels in a room in Assad's presidential palace
“Crowds gathered in front of the palace to see previously inaccessible sites,” the BBC reported.
AP/Hussein Mara Syrian civilians in Assad's presidential palace
“Audio recordings from President Assad's other residence in Damascus were also published online,” CNN reported. One of the photos still shows a fully equipped kitchen filled with fresh ingredients and notes about Assad and his wife's culinary preferences.
Syria. Fear of the inhabitants of Damascus. people are protecting their homes
“Damascus residents fear that looters will take advantage of the chaos in the city,” the BBC reported. A British Broadcasting Corporation correspondent reported that in the Malki district, home to one of President Assad's residences, people remained vigilant outside their homes to protect themselves.
It added that government buildings were looted in the area, including: Ministry of Culture.
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