In brief
After years of separation, Abdulkafi reunites with his elderly father in Aleppo as rebel forces gain control. While some experience newfound respect and resources, fears of renewed violence and distrust in the moderating promises of rebel groups remain prevalent.
Despite the joy of family reunions, the shadows of war loom large in Aleppo, creating a complex atmosphere of apprehension and cautious hope.---Abdulkafi, an English teacher from Aleppo, finally saw his 85-year-old father after years apart, following a recent rebel offensive that changed the control of the city. “He never dreamed he would see me again before he died,” Abdulkafi expressed, highlighting the bittersweet nature of their reunion captured in a video. Since the armed group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took over from President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, local residents have shared mixed feelings. While many report better access to electricity and water, they are also haunted by fears of renewed conflict as airstrikes have already resumed in the area. "Living in complete apprehension," one resident recounted their worry over possible bombardments, reminding them of past trauma. The city, once a hub for trade, faces significant trust issues among its residents under HTS, a group with a controversial history as former affiliates of al-Qaeda. Despite this, some residents have expressed gratitude towards the armed groups for taking over, citing a preference for their rule over the government's oppressive past, while also stockpiling supplies for fear of shortages. Mixed sentiments are echoed in the Christian community, where residents report they have so far been treated respectfully by HTS fighters, although trust is still thin due to historical precedents of persecution. The situation in Aleppo remains precarious as families reunite, yet tensions and worries about what lies ahead continue to cast a shadow over their newfound freedom. "We feel let down by everyone. We don’t know what’s going to happen to us," voiced one resident, encapsulating the uncertainty of the moment.
