Following the sudden removal of President Bashar al-Assad, Syrians were seen exploring his palaces on Sunday. They wandered through the rooms, took photos, and some even took furniture or ornaments. Videos obtained by Reuters showed people entering the Al-Rawda Presidential Palace, with children playing in the grand rooms and men moving furniture around. Some men were seen carrying chairs out of the building while others rummaged through cupboards in a storeroom. Another video showed groups of people walking through the Muhajreen Palace, with a man carrying a vase and an empty cabinet standing open. Chandeliers adorned the ceilings, reminiscent of scenes from the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq. Syrian rebels took control of Damascus, prompting Assad to flee after decades of rule and more than 13 years of civil war. Celebratory shots were fired at the New Shaab Palace as rebels declared their control. Assad left Syria for an unknown destination, confirmed by Russian officials, but his whereabouts remain undisclosed. Damascus residents celebrated the rebel capture of the city on December 8, marking the end of Assad’s rule. The rebels declared a new era for Syria, as they claimed victory over Baathist oppression. Reports of Assad fleeing were denied by Syrian officials, who stated he was still carrying out his duties in Damascus. Additionally, another major airline announced an extra charge for carry-on bags amidst rising luggage fees. President-elect Donald Trump attributed Assad’s downfall to Russia’s withdrawal of support.
