Syria’s Central Bank Vaults Remain Intact Amid Turmoil in Damascus
In a surprising turn of events, the central bank of Syria did not suffer significant damage during the chaos that followed the recent overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. Reports from a prominent business leader, along with multiple sources, revealed that the bank’s vaults remained largely untouched by looters. This follows a swift takeover of the capital, Damascus, by Syrian rebels, which occurred without much resistance. As a result, Assad fled the country, seeking refuge in Russia after enduring a civil war that lasted over 13 years and over five decades of his family’s rule.
Bassel Hamawi, the head of the Damascus Chambers of Commerce, shared that while some money was reported stolen from the bank’s premises, the primary vaults were confirmed to be safe. However, the exact amount of funds that remained in the vaults is still uncertain.
This recent upheaval marks a significant shift in Syria’s political landscape, prompting questions about the future economic stability of the nation.
