Inside the abandoned homes of Assad's ruthless enforcers

In the heart of Syria, a man named Jamil Hassan, who was one of the most feared enforcers of Bashar al-Assad's regime, had to leave his home in a hurry. Known for his brutal actions against civilians, Hassan was wanted for torture and killings. As he descended the stairs of his apartment building, he was visibly shaken. He climbed into a car with his family and a few security guards, leaving behind only a few suitcases. A neighbor, who witnessed their departure, remarked, 'I knew the moment I saw them flee that Assad had fallen. ' A few days later, when reporters entered Hassan's apartment, they found clear signs of a hasty exit. A half-eaten carrot cake sat in the fridge, a knife still on the plate, while clothes and empty shoeboxes were strewn across the beds. In the dining room, flowers wilted in a vase, and cups and plates were left to dry by the sink. A framed photo of a smiling Hassan with Assad hung on the wall, accompanied by a text that read, 'Our skies are for us and forbidden to others. ' Hassan, often referred to as 'the butcher' by locals, was notorious for leading the Air Force Intelligence and overseeing detention facilities where torture was commonplace. He is among many high-ranking officials who have abandoned their homes in affluent areas of Damascus, leaving behind a legacy of fear and oppression. The search for these men, who ruled Syria with an iron fist, is proving to be a daunting task. Some individuals fear that they may strike political deals abroad to escape justice. The group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has been at the forefront of efforts to topple the regime, has vowed to hunt them down within Syria. Rebels aligned with this group have now occupied Hassan's former apartment, and a handwritten note on the front door warns others not to enter. When asked about Hassan's whereabouts, one rebel grinned and quipped, 'I don't know - to Hell. ' Many residents on Hassan's street are now living in fear, with closed shutters and unanswered knocks on doors. One woman, who witnessed Hassan's escape, expressed her terror, saying, 'We were so afraid to talk. It was terrifying to live next to them. ' Hassan is wanted in the United States for his involvement in cruel treatment of civilian detainees, including American citizens. Earlier this year, he was convicted in absentia in France for his role in the imprisonment and torture of two Syrian-French nationals. Germany is also seeking him, and an Interpol Red Notice has been issued for his arrest due to conspiracy to commit war crimes. The night before the regime's collapse, guards at Hassan's apartment building simply abandoned their posts, leaving the area eerily quiet. Amr al-Bakri, a filmmaker living nearby, recalled, 'It was the first time I'd seen this post with no lights, no sounds, no noise. ' He shared that his family had to give away their dog after Hassan's guards threatened to kill it if it continued barking. The guards would routinely inspect visitors and their belongings, ensuring that no one could come and go freely. Hassan's family enjoyed privileges that others did not, such as a constant supply of electricity, while many homes in the neighborhood remained in darkness. A local electrician, who had known Hassan from a distance, described him as a strict and merciless figure. Many residents are relieved that Hassan is gone, feeling a sense of safety returning to their lives. Another man, Hussam Luka, who lived in an apartment below Hassan, was less known but equally feared. He was under sanctions in the EU, US, and UK for his involvement in torture. Rebels have taken over his apartment as well, clearing out furniture and belongings that had been left behind. Inside Luka's home, they found awards and certificates that highlighted his connection to the regime. One neighbor remarked that they kept to themselves, avoiding any interaction with the regime members. In other affluent areas of Damascus, more homes have been abandoned, with fridges stocked with food and personal belongings left behind. Rebels are using these homes as bases, trying to prevent further looting. In one luxurious apartment, rebels are sleeping on the floor and cooking on a camp stove, making do with what they have. Another family has taken over a home with an outdoor swimming pool. One of the most impressive properties belonged to Khodr Taher Bin Ali, a businessman sanctioned for his support of the regime. His home featured an elevator, a gym, and an indoor pool, but many expensive items were left behind. The children's rooms still contained toys and schoolwork, a stark reminder of the lives that were abruptly interrupted. Another key figure, Ali Mamlouk, is also wanted for his actions and is believed to possess information about missing individuals. His home remains padlocked, and rebels are cautious about granting access. Many residents desire justice for the crimes committed by these men, hoping that one day they will be found and held accountable. The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression has stated that locating these individuals will be challenging, but it is crucial to continue the search. They emphasize that failing to hold these men accountable sends a dangerous message that such crimes can go unpunished. People in the neighborhood remain hopeful that justice will eventually prevail, and that those responsible for the suffering of many will face the consequences of their actions.