Assad in underwear: Semi-naked photos of Syria's ousted president go viral

Syria's ousted president

Bashar al-Assad

's semi-naked photos, discovered by the country's rebels, are going viral on social media. The

Syrian rebels

found these photos after seizing Assad's residences following the regime's collapse. The photos depict various moments from Assad’s younger years, including images of him in swimwear, casual attire, and costumes.
One of the viral photographs shows a young Assad in his underwear. In another photo, Assad, apparently on a hike, can be seen standing happily next to a cousin wearing a T-shirt with an image of Adolf Hitler.

Another photo, apparently from a costume party, shows Assad in blackface, dressed as a huntsman with a rifle, smiling for the camera.

Intimate mementos, including photos of the ousted president's wedding to British-born Asma Akhras, along with strange images from his youth, were discovered among his possessions at his palaces in Aleppo and Damascus.

Another photo captures a young Assad wearing only white pants and a vest, striking a pose as he leans against a kitchen counter and looks toward the camera.

The old pictures, likely from the 80s and 90s when the 59-year-old was younger, also feature him in denim shorts and sunglasses.

In one image, he seems to be on a balcony with a view of the sea, playfully teasing a girl sitting on his shoulders, who is holding onto him while leaning backward.

Assad's lavish lifestyle uncovered
The rebels’ takeover of

Assad's properties

, including a lavish palace in the hills above Damascus, revealed the family's opulent lifestyle, contrasting sharply with the struggles faced by many Syrian citizens. Journalists touring the palace noted extravagant features such as a barber's salon, jacuzzi, and bulletproof doors. The residences were reportedly hastily abandoned as rebel forces advanced.
Assad's wife, Asma, enjoyed a life of luxury, with substantial spending on furnishings and clothing, according to a Daily Mail report. The US state department estimates the family's wealth at $2 billion, allegedly concealed in various accounts and assets.
Social media reaction to Assad's photos
Social media users are giving a range of reactions to the

viral photos of Assad

. One X user said that "Assad is ugly inside and outside." Another user called Assad a "monstrous butcher" and said "something is really off with his persona." One user commented that the ousted president "probably dreamed of being a model."

Rebels loot Assad's residence
Syrian rebels, in just one week, brought an end to five decades of Assad's rule in Syria. Advancing from Aleppo in the northwest, the rebels swiftly took control of Hama and Homs before entering the capital, Damascus. They reached Assad's residences last Sunday, marking a significant turning point in the conflict. Looting was reported at the residences, and rebel fighters reportedly set fire to the grave of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar's father. The Assad family reportedly fled before rebels could capture the former president and are living in exile.