Inside Aleppo: Rebel Rule Sparks Fears of War
In the aftermath of Aleppo’s capture by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied rebel forces, the city is grappling with a mix of emotions—family reunions, apprehension over rebel intentions, and deep fears of renewed conflict.
Families Reunited Amid Uncertainty
For Abdulkafi, an English teacher, the rebel offensive enabled an emotional reunion with his father after years of separation. A video of their meeting shows the two men embracing in tears, highlighting a rare moment of joy amid the uncertainty in the northern Syrian city.
Quote from Abdulkafi:
“He is 85, an old man. He never dreamed he would see me again before he died,” said Abdulkafi, who had previously been unable to cross into regime-held Aleppo.
Living Under Rebel Control
Residents described mixed feelings about HTS’s rule:
- Improved services: Electricity and water supplies have increased under HTS administration.
- Fear of bombardment: Many fear the return of airstrikes by Syrian government forces and Russian allies, which have already claimed dozens of lives.
- Distrust of HTS intentions: Though the group claims moderation, memories of its past ties to al-Qaeda leave many wary.
One resident, Mohammad, noted:
“When I went out, the militiamen said it was safe, but their presence makes us uneasy. They questioned my sister’s uncovered head but did not force her to cover it.”
Minority Groups’ Concerns
The Armenian and Christian communities in Aleppo have received assurances of safety from HTS fighters.
- George Meneshian, a Greek-Armenian political analyst, reported that Christians had not faced harassment but remained cautious due to past experiences with Islamist militias.
- “They assured us of our safety, but minorities in Syria have seen similar promises broken before,” Meneshian noted.
Fear of Renewed Conflict
Many Aleppo residents are haunted by memories of past sieges. A man shared his worries:
“We live in complete apprehension. Airstrikes remind us of the war’s darkest days.”
This fear is shared across the city as:
- Thousands stockpile supplies, bracing for potential shortages.
- Displaced Syrians consider returning, though concerns about safety remain high.
Political and Global Implications
The rebel takeover has reignited international attention:
- Potential for displaced Syrians to return: Up to 600,000 Syrians in Turkey may now consider returning to areas under rebel control.
- HTS seeks global acceptance: The group’s recent conduct reflects a bid to gain legitimacy on the world stage.
However, skepticism lingers. “This flexibility may be strategic, not genuine,” Abdulkafi remarked.
First Paragraph with Keyphrase:
In Aleppo, now under rebel rule, fears of war have gripped the city even as residents experience improved services and family reunions.
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