Shirtless Photos of Bashar al-Assad Go Viral Amid Rebel Takeover of His Mansions

Several photos of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, including some depicting him semi-naked, have gone viral following a recent rebel takeover of his luxurious mansions in Damascus and Aleppo. Assad, who ruled Syria for 25 years, fled to Russia as rebels captured multiple cities, including the capital, just a week ago.

The images, found in Assad’s albums by the rebels, showcase a stark contrast to the authoritarian image he cultivated during his rule. One notable photo shows a shirtless Assad seemingly taking a selfie, while another captures him riding a scooter in his underwear. Additional images depict him flexing his bicep in a speedo and posing with a woman on his shoulders, as well as a moment where he places a ring on his wife’s finger.

The collection also includes a photo of Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria until his death in 2000, posing in his underwear. The release of these images has sparked ridicule and criticism of the former leader, known for his autocratic governance.

Saad Abedine, a journalist , shared some of the photos on social media platform X, commenting that they would provide “endless nightmares for days to come.” Syrian journalist Hussam Hammoud criticized the public fascination with such personal images, questioning the “fantasy” surrounding the Assad family’s penchant for being photographed in their underwear. “What is it with the #Assad family and being photographed in their underwear? Highly interested in knowing the fantasy behind,” Hammoud remarked.

As the civil war in Syria continues, the mansions of Assad in Aleppo and Damascus have been stripped of their valuables by the rebels, highlighting the stark reality of a war-torn country where luxury has become a distant memory, overshadowed by the struggle for survival since the conflict began in 2011.