In a heartwarming yet complex scenario, Abdulkafi, an English teacher from Aleppo, embraced his elderly father for the first time in years after rebels seized control of the northern Syrian city from government forces. The 85-year-old father, previously separated due to the regime's blockade, expressed disbelief that he would see his son again. This poignant reunion, captured on video, encapsulates the emotional turmoil many in Aleppo are facing.
Since the takeover by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), residents report a mix of improved services like steady electricity and water, while simultaneously grappling with the fear of returning conflict. The city has recently witnessed airstrikes by the Syrian government, reigniting worries of violence and displacement among the population.
While many express gratitude towards HTS for their perceived governance, others remain wary of the group’s ability to maintain this supposed moderation. One local reflected on the pervasive anxiety, saying, “We’re living in complete apprehension,” highlighting the fear of bombardment and the potential backlash from regime forces if the tides turn again.
As townspeople adapt to a new order, sentiments of confusion and mistrust linger, with some families unsure about potential repercussions for their associations with newly emerging powers. Moreover, minority groups like Christians are cautiously optimistic after initial reassurances from HTS fighters, though history suggests they tread lightly given previous experiences under extremist rule.
Amid these shifting realities, one sentiment resonates: the hope for safety and normalcy in a landscape fraught with uncertainty.
Since the takeover by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), residents report a mix of improved services like steady electricity and water, while simultaneously grappling with the fear of returning conflict. The city has recently witnessed airstrikes by the Syrian government, reigniting worries of violence and displacement among the population.
While many express gratitude towards HTS for their perceived governance, others remain wary of the group’s ability to maintain this supposed moderation. One local reflected on the pervasive anxiety, saying, “We’re living in complete apprehension,” highlighting the fear of bombardment and the potential backlash from regime forces if the tides turn again.
As townspeople adapt to a new order, sentiments of confusion and mistrust linger, with some families unsure about potential repercussions for their associations with newly emerging powers. Moreover, minority groups like Christians are cautiously optimistic after initial reassurances from HTS fighters, though history suggests they tread lightly given previous experiences under extremist rule.
Amid these shifting realities, one sentiment resonates: the hope for safety and normalcy in a landscape fraught with uncertainty.
