Transcript of Richard Engel explores looted Assad palace in Damascus

So this was 1 of Assad's many palaces. Obviously, he's not here. So you climb in through the window now. I will say this is the first time I've entered a presidential palace through the window. Looks like it's been looted and ransacked somewhat.

I can only imagine what Bashar al Assad would be thinking right now if he knew that people were just rummaging through his palaces. The most frightening, most out of reach places in the country. I can just imagine the decisions that Assad must have made in the last minute. According to people around him and Iranian officials, Assad was somewhat delusional in the end. He didn't think this was going to happen and was shocked that his, armed forces just melted away.

Didn't wanna leave until the very end. Ah, a bedroom. I can't stop thinking that I've done this before. I was in Gaddafi's bedroom. I went into Saddam Hussein's palaces, his bedroom.

Now, Assad's private palace. No idea if he actually slept here, but his guests, his family, maybe him. And all the beds have been checked out. Somebody clearly thought maybe there was something hidden under the mattresses, because every bed we found they've been opened up like this. I must say it's nicer than Saddam's Palace.

Most of his chandeliers are made of plastic. Some of the furniture is lovely. Syria's famous and has always been famous for its inlaid work. It's good this didn't get taken. Hopefully, it ends up in a museum someplace.

And here, the big balcony, overlooking Damascus. From out here, Assad could see his city, his dominion. A lot of the palaces are on hilltops like this. How the mighty have fallen. You can see right over there.

There's a flagpole and it's now empty.

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