Mercedes, Porsches, Audis, and Ferraris: A sneak peek into ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's garage

The discovery of luxury cars in Assad's garage by rebel forces highlights the vast wealth disparity in Syria, where 90% live in poverty. 

Livemint
Updated9 Dec 2024, 11:00 AM IST
Syrian civil war: A screengrab from the viral video shows Assad's garage. (Photo: X)
Syrian civil war: A screengrab from the viral video shows Assad's garage. (Photo: X)

While 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, Islamist rebel forces who stormed Bashar al-Assad's palace discovered a collection of luxury cars, including Mercedes, Porsches, Audis, and Ferraris. Social media is flooding with videos showing rebel forces exploring a vast, abandoned garage believed to be owned by Assad.

Also Read: Syria News LIVE Updates: Al-Assad flees to Moscow; Israel strikes Damascus to demilitarised buffer zone

In a post on X, a netizen wrote, “90% of Syrians are under the poverty line. Meanwhile, this is a small section of Assad’s garage.”

A user remarked, “one thing remains crystal clear - the power of selfishness and corruption is downright evil. What's the use of all our advancements and progress if people are still suffering? why amass all the wealth when your citizens can bearly afford a decent meal”,

Also Read: Video | Syrian rebels enter Assad vacated Al-Rawda and Muhajreen palaces, loot belongings, tear family portraits

Another user said, “Greed has no pocket.”

Another user said, “When is the auto auction?”

"Reminds me of Romania, The Romanian Revolution in 1989 the fall of Ceausescu, He had all expensive cars and everything western while he oppressed the people," wrote another user.

Earlier, in 2023, the U.N. humanitarian chief warned that the ongoing 12-year conflict in Syria has driven 90% of its population into poverty. 

Also Read: Syria civil war: Russia says Bashar al-Assad has left Syria; Israeli PM orders ’seizure’ of buffer zone — 10 points

Assad's exit came less than two weeks after the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a swift rebel offensive, challenging more than five decades of Assad family rule and breaking long-standing frontlines in Syria's civil war. On Sunday, they claimed to have taken Damascus, announcing that Assad had fled, which led to nationwide celebrations and the looting of Assad’s luxurious residence.

Also Read: Who is Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the rebel leader behind Assad’s downfall – ‘Syria is being purified,’ he declares

Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed President Biden’s optimism, stating that “after 14 years of conflict, the Syrian people finally have reason for hope.”

90% of Syrians are under the poverty line. Meanwhile, this is a small section of Assad’s garage.

(With inputs from agenies)

 

Key Takeaways
  • The discovery of luxury cars in Assad's garage illustrates the stark wealth inequality in Syria.
  • The ongoing conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with 90% of the population living in poverty.
  • Public outrage reflects a growing awareness of corruption and the misallocation of resources by leaders.

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