In the heart of Aleppo, a poignant reunion unfolded as Abdulkafi, an English teacher, met his 85-year-old father for the first time in years this Monday. This emotional encounter comes on the heels of the recent major offensive by armed rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which successfully seized control over the historically significant northern Syrian city from regime forces. Abdulkafi, who had previously been unable to reach regime-held Aleppo, expressed profound joy accompanying their reunion, a moment captured on video where they were seen embracing with tears of happiness.
Many Aleppo residents have shared their experiences with the BBC following the rebel takeover, detailing the complexity of their emotions ranging from gratitude towards HTS for restoring essential services like electricity and water to deeper fears of a potential return to warfare. Though several individuals chose to speak anonymously for safety reasons, they recounted a persistent sense of unease with the possibility of renewed airstrikes by the Syrian government and allied Russian forces, reflecting on the precariousness that has characterized their lives during the Ukrainian civil war.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that air strikes have already claimed numerous lives, fueling apprehensions among locals. One inhabitant articulated the psychological toll, stating they had stopped their family from going even to local shops out of fear. The shadows of past conflicts loom large as memories of prior bombardments resurface, creating a lingering sense of dread in the community.
Aleppo's narrative is further complicated by its past, having been a crucial commercial hub until the Syrian government, aided by Russian forces, retook large portions of the city after a lengthy siege in 2016. Many civilians harbor skepticism toward HTS, which was originally linked to al-Qaeda, as they scrutinize the group's claims of ideological shifts towards moderation.
The fears are palpable amongst the population as Abdulkafi noted that some of his relatives hesitated to be seen with him due to concerns over possible retribution from regime forces should they regain control. These sentiments were echoed by others who described an environment where fear overshadowed daily life. Reports surfaced of local militia engaging civilians with mixed responses, ranging from overly inquisitive comments about personal attire to reassurances of safety.
Despite these tensions, some members of the Christian community in Aleppo have reported a lack of immediate threat under HTS governance. George Meneshian, a political analyst, conveyed that HTS's initial interactions with Christians have been accommodating, prompting cautious optimism amid historical concerns of persecution from radical factions. However, skepticism remains as prior promises from jihadist groups have been known to falter.
Abdulkafi, who currently resides in HTS-controlled Al-Dana, voiced hope that minorities could coexist peacefully, noting HTS’s efforts toward global acceptance despite his personal reservations about the group. As Aleppo navigates this uncertain path, both joy and trepidation coexist, painting a complex portrait of a city emerging from years of devastation into a precarious future.
