The recent rebel offensive in Aleppo has led to heartwarming family reunions, but a pervasive sense of anxiety hangs over the city’s residents as they navigate life under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and fear the potential return of conflict.
Uncertainty Reigns in Aleppo as Families Reunite Amid Rebel Rule
Uncertainty Reigns in Aleppo as Families Reunite Amid Rebel Rule
In the wake of a rebel takeover in Aleppo, families reunite while grappling with fear, nostalgia, and uncertainty about the future.
As the sun rose over Aleppo, a city emerging from the shadows of its turbulent past, Abdulkafi, an English teacher, embraced his 85-year-old father for the first time in years. Their reunion came just days after rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), overthrew government control, reshaping the lives of many residents. Abducted by emotions, Abdulkafi remarked, “He never dreamed he would see me again before he died,” as a video of their heartfelt reunion circulated among the community.
Since the fall of the regime's grip, voices have emerged from within Aleppo, sharing experiences of both relief and trepidation. Some residents reported improved access to basic utilities such as electricity and water under the new regime, yet a pervasive dread of renewed conflict looms. Their hopes are overshadowed by the threat of airstrikes from the Syrian government and Russian forces, which have already claimed numerous lives, according to monitoring groups.
The United Nations estimated that tens of thousands have been displaced due to the recent skirmishes, a stark reminder of war’s relentless grip. However, many chose to remain anonymous, fearing further repercussions. A local echoed these sentiments, expressing his constant anxiety, “We’re living in complete apprehension,” as remnants of the ongoing conflict force him to reconsider even the simplest errands.
While Aleppo had previously experienced prolonged periods of relative calm post-2016, when government forces recaptured much of the city, the current atmosphere is laced with uncertainty. Conditions that were once thought to be stable have deteriorated, leading many to stockpile supplies while they reckon with the unpredictability of their surroundings.
Amid the turmoil, community dynamics are shifting. Some residents, while welcoming the departure of government forces, expressed deep reluctance regarding HTS's history and potential for resurgence in violence. “The people are scared because we don’t trust anyone,” explained one local woman, her fear palpable as she described the changes around her.
Christian communities within Aleppo exhibit a cautious optimism about their safety under HTS rule. In a testimony relayed through an analyst, it was noted that HTS fighters have given assurances of respect toward non-Muslim communities, yet lingering distrust remains. “There are precedents for Islamists initially sparing minorities, only to later commit violence,” the analyst reflected.
As protests and violence seem omnipresent in the lives of Aleppo's citizens, one sentiment prevails: despite their fears, many residents still cling to the hope that peace will eventually take root amid uncertainty. The question remains whether the embrace of fragile hope can withstand the harsh realities of their evolving situation.
