Looters ransacked the Presidential palace in Syria after President Bashar al-Assad's sudden departure, following an uprising that forced him to flee the country.

Dramatic footage shows civilians inside the sprawling mansion in Damascus as chaos erupted on December 8. Furniture and personal items were scattered across the floor. Some locals carried away pieces of art, ornaments, boxes of belongings and even bedding.

Assad took power in July 2000, succeeding his father, Hafez al-Assad, who had ruled since 1970 after seizing control in a coup against President Nureddin al-Atassi.

Since 2011, Assad has waged a brutal civil war following a rebel uprising.

Russia, a close ally of Syria, has confirmed Assad's departure and stated he has resigned, though his current location remains unknown.