Following significant unrest in Syria and the decline of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, local residents were seen entering the presidential palaces in cities like Aleppo and Damascus. These palatial buildings, which were once symbols of power and privilege, were reportedly stripped of valuable furniture, ornaments, and personal items as a display of anger and triumph over the regime’s collapse. Pictures and videos circulated widely on social media, showcasing civilians wandering through the opulent halls, taking souvenirs from spaces previously inaccessible to the public
This incident comes in the wake of fierce battles between the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and rebel groups, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who have gained control over key territories, including Aleppo. The fall of these areas marks a critical turning point in Syria’s ongoing conflict, signaling a substantial weakening of Assad’s grip on power. Reports indicate that government forces withdrew entirely from certain regions, leaving behind the infrastructure that civilians are now reclaiming
Additionally, regional players like Russia and Iran, Assad’s allies, are grappling with the regime’s declining stability. Iranian-backed militias are reportedly being deployed to secure Shia religious sites, reflecting concerns over sectarian violence in newly controlled territories. Meanwhile, international observers view this as a historical moment that may reshape Syria’s political landscape
The situation remains fluid, with a complex interplay of domestic insurgencies, international interests, and grassroots movements shaping the fate of Syria post-Assad.