As the Syrian regime reclaimed Harasta in Damascus, a soldier proudly declared intentions to leave nothing behind in the once opposition stronghold. Videos emerged showing uniformed men looting homes of vacated residents, carting off everything from washing machines to steel facades. These acts were part of widespread pillaging detailed in a report by the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre, revealing a pattern of regime soldiers ransacking rebel areas over the past decade. Looted goods ended up in ‘Sunni Markets’ in Damascus and Aleppo, suggesting a systematic scheme of theft.
The report highlighted the regime’s role in stealing from civilian areas to deter residents from returning. Notable figures like Colonel Jaber Asaad Duba and Brigadier General Hafez Jabbour were implicated in looting, along with top officials and intelligence officers. The criminal nexus extended to National Defence Forces, as evidenced by a song glorifying looting. This culture of criminality not only profited military individuals but also hindered displaced residents from reclaiming their homes.