Tetley teabags, anxiety pills: What Syrian rebels found in al-Assad’s ’family bunker’ under presidential palace
Syrian crisis: After capturing al-Assad's palace, rebel forces his own biography, anti-anxiety pills. The discovery of extensive tunnels beneath the palace highlights disparity between the opulent lifestyle of the Assad family and the hardships faced by the Syrian populace.
Syrian crisis: Syrians have uncovered a network of tunnels beneath the presidential palace of deposed president Bashar al-Assad, revealing the stark contrast between the regime's lavish lifestyle and the struggles faced by ordinary citizens. This discovery has ignited outrage among the populace, who accuse Assad's family of hoarding the nation's wealth while millions live without basic services.
Syrian crisis: Footage of Hidden Tunnels, Complex under al-Assad's Palace
Recent videos allegedly filmed inside al-Assad’s palace in Damascus depict a series of reinforced doors leading to steep staircases and extensive tunnels. These tunnels, difficult to navigate due to their length, end in a large corridor resembling a storage area filled with boxes and discarded items. Among the debris, several boxes and materials were found haphazardly strewn about, showcasing the remnants of a once opulent lifestyle.
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In one room, the chaos continues with plastic cases, bags, briefcases, and boxes piled high. The individual filming attempts to access a heavily fortified door but is unable to do so, prompting him to explore another room that resembles a kitchen stocked with Tetley teabags and other supplies.
As he scans the room, a box of Tetley teabags is visible on the countertop. He then moves into an adjoining room resembling a cozy lounge, furnished with a sofa set, a coffee table, and even an ensuite.
Afterward, the man leaves, carrying a briefcase taken from the first room and a tray of items from the coffee table.
Syrian crisis: Insights from al-Assad's Office
Inside al-Assad’s abandoned office, remnants of his personal life remain visible. The desk is cluttered with books, including a history of the Russian military and a biography of Assad himself. Notably, strips of anti-anxiety pills were discovered on the desk, hinting at the pressures faced during his regime's final days.
As rebel fighters and civilians roamed through the palace grounds, they encountered remnants of propaganda from Assad’s regime. One window bore graffiti reading, “God damn your soul, Hafez,” referencing Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for three decades before passing power to his son.
Syrian crisis: Bashar al-Assad Palace – A Monument to Authoritarianism in Damascus
The palace itself stands as a monument to over a decade of brutal repression under Assad’s rule. Designed by a Japanese architect and completed in 1990 during Hafez's regime, it features vast halls and multiple rooms for cabinet meetings—both above ground and underground—suggesting preparations for potential last-ditch efforts to retain power.
Following the palace's capture by rebel forces, jubilant crowds stormed the complex, seizing furniture and artwork as symbols of their newfound freedom. Reports indicate that luxury vehicles belonging to the Assad family were also taken during this chaotic celebration, including high-end models such as Aston Martins and Lamborghinis.
Bashar al-Assad’s defeat came when his allies were distracted with other troubles. Russia is mired in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while Iran has been bruised from Israel’s military offensive this year against Hezbollah, which intervened in the war on the side of the Assad regime.
Throughout the capital in recent days, Syrians tore Assad’s face off posters of the former leader. They toppled statues of his father across the country. They tore down the red, black and white flag of the regime, replacing it with the rebel banner.
What is the Syrian Crisis?
Syrian rebels have captured Damascus, leading to a dramatic collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. In a statement, the rebels declared, “The city of Damascus is free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” claiming that Assad has fled the capital as various factions encircled the city from the north and south.
The offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), saw rapid advances that culminated in the takeover of key cities before reaching Damascus.
Key Takeaways
- The discovery of Assad’s bunker highlights the immense disparity between the ruling elite and the populace during the Syrian conflict.
- Personal items found within the bunker, including anti-anxiety pills, indicate the pressures faced by Assad amidst his regime’s decline.
- Rebel forces’ joyful storming of the palace symbolizes a significant turning point in the struggle for freedom in Syria.
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Business NewsNewsWorldTetley teabags, anxiety pills: What Syrian rebels found in al-Assad’s ’family bunker’ under presidential palace
First Published:12 Dec 2024, 08:38 AM IST
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