Signed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II discovered in Bashar al-Assad's palace in Damascus
A signed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was discovered in Bashar al-Assad’s presidential palace in Damascus. The portrait, dated 2002, was found in a room filled with luxury items, including gold-encrusted chests and a FIFA award. Rebel fighters explored the ransacked New Shaab Palace, uncovering various treasures and souvenirs. Among the items were a rug featuring Assad's face and a silver shield. Assad and his family fled to Moscow as rebel forces entered Damascus after a rapid offensive across Syria.