In brief
Following a swift offensive, Aleppo witnesses a wave of celebrations as exiled residents return to assess their homes and rebuild their lives after over a decade of conflict.
In Aleppo, Syria, a mix of joy and uncertainty fills the air as the city reevaluates life post-Assad regime. Celebrations broke out after Syrian rebels rapidly overtook the city, prompting exiled residents to return home after years of war. The grand monuments of the now-fallen regime, like the statue of Basel al-Assad, have been destroyed, leaving remnants of a past that is now celebrated as history.Young men climbed atop the remains of the statue, flashing victory signs and reveling in newfound freedom. For many who fled during the conflict, like Amar Sabir, returning is a significant milestone. Having spent nearly a decade in Turkey, she, along with her family, returned to Aleppo, hoping to find their old neighborhoods intact. While the excitement is palpable, there’s a lingering uncertainty about the condition of their homes and the community's future. The liberated Aleppo is a symbol of resilience and hope as Syrians look to rebuild their lives after a 13-year civil war.
