In brief
As residents newly liberated from government rule in Aleppo reunite with loved ones after years apart, they are also grappling with anxiety over the return of war and the unpredictable nature of their new rulers. Abdulkafi, an English teacher, joyfully embraced his elderly father, highlighting the bittersweet reality of their reunion. In the wake of a significant offensive by rebels, many locals shared mixed feelings about their circumstances under the newly established control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Despite improved access to utilities and promises of respect, the specter of potential bombardments from government forces looms large, inciting both hope and dread. Personal accounts reflect a profound mistrust lingering in the air, as families cautiously navigate their new reality, with many wary of the past atrocities committed by previous regimes and militant groups.
The voices of Aleppo's residents paint a picture of life marked by joy and fear. Abdulkafi, who had not seen his father in years, could only celebrate their reunion while acknowledging that many in his family remained afraid of being seen with him, given the risk of retribution if government forces ever reestablished control over the city. The lingering trauma of past violence has left citizens apprehensive. Reports indicate increased military activity, including airstrikes that have already resulted in civilian casualties, feeding a pervasive sense of anxiety throughout the populous.Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s rule has introduced a tense dynamic in the city. While some residents have remarked on the absence of harassment and even gestures of reassurance from armed groups, the ghosts of the civil war haunt many. Simple acts, such as going to a store, have become fraught with danger and uncertainty. One resident recounted the fear of potential violence, stating, “We’re living in complete apprehension." The feelings of mistrust extend to the treatment of minorities, with communities hoping for a semblance of safety but remaining wary of promises made by groups with a violent past.As human stories emerge from this resilient city, one overarching sentiment resonates: a desperate desire for peace in a land that has known too much suffering. With eyes set on the unpredictable future, the people of Aleppo continue to navigate their everyday realities, facing the heavy burden of uncertainty with courage.
