The Free Syrian Army flag, with its red, black, white, and green colors, adorned the streets of Aleppo as Syrian rebel forces took control of the northern city in a swift offensive against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Residents expressed a mix of hope, joy, and apprehension as they returned to a city ravaged by years of conflict, including severe destruction caused by regime and Russian forces during the civil war.
Displaced resident Mohammed Ali Joudeh shared his disbelief at the long-awaited moment of returning to Aleppo, emphasizing the collective concern among residents about the ongoing airstrikes and their hopes for a Syria free from the Assad regime.
CNN footage captured the grim reality of Aleppo's landscape, with piles of rubble from destroyed buildings serving as a stark reminder of the city's tumultuous past. The Battle of Aleppo, marked by the regime's siege on rebel-held areas and allegations of chemical attacks and indiscriminate shelling on civilians, left lasting scars on the city and its inhabitants.
Despite denials from Syrian and Russian authorities regarding the accusations of human rights violations, the resilience of Aleppo's residents and the determination of rebel forces to challenge the Assad regime signal a continued struggle for stability and peace in Syria.
