Syrian Civil War (2011-)

The Syrian Civil War‎, also known as the Syrian Uprising, is an armed conflict taking place in Syria. The unrest began in March 2011 with nationwide protests against President Bashar al-Assad's government, whose forces responded with violent crackdowns. The conflict gradually morphed from popular protests to an armed rebellion after months of military sieges. The armed opposition consists of various groups that were formed during the course of the conflict, including the Free Syrian Army and the Islamic Front.

In 2013, Hezbollah entered the war in support of the Syrian army. In the east, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), a jihadist militant group which was initially linked to Al-Qaeda in Iraq, made rapid military gains in both Syria and Iraq, eventually conflicting with the other rebels. In July 2014, ISIS controlled a third of Syria's territory and most of its oil and gas production, thus establishing itself as the major opposition force.

The Syrian government is upheld by military support from Russia, which was expanded in the winter of 2013–14, and Iran, while Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and United States transferred weapons to the rebels. The US, the UK and European and Arab states have declared a readiness to support the mainstream Syrian opposition. Owing to the nature of this involvement, the international response to the conflict has been described as a proxy war.

By July 2013, the Syrian government was in control of approximately 30–40% of the country's territory and 60% of the Syrian population. A United Nations report in late 2012 described the conflict as being "overtly sectarian in nature", between mostly Alawite government forces, militias and other Shia groups fighting largely against Sunni-dominated rebel groups, although both opposition and government forces have denied it.

According to the United Nations, the death toll surpassed 100,000 in June 2013, and reached 120,000 by September 2013. In addition, tens of thousands of protesters, students, liberal activists and human rights advocates have been imprisoned and there are reports of widespread torture and terror in state prisons.

International organizations have accused both government and opposition forces of severe human rights violations. Chemical weapons have been used many times during the conflict as well. Inspections and probes in Syria by the UN and Amnesty International determined in both 2012 and 2013 that the vast majority of abuses, as well as the largest in scale, were being committed by the Syrian government.

IRC Humanitarian Convoy Outside Eastern Ghouta, Syria, March 2018

IRC Humanitarian Convoy Outside Eastern Ghouta, Syria, March 2018

Taken on: 2018-03-04
Source: Jeremy Bowen, BBC (Twitter Account)

Tanks of the Turkish Land Forces on the road to Afrin, Jan 2018

Tanks of the Turkish Land Forces on the road to Afrin, Jan 2018

Taken on: 2018-01-20
Source: VOA

Syrian Democratic Forces Patrol Devastated Raqqa Suburb; Raqqa, Syria; June 2017

Syrian Democratic Forces Patrol Devastated Raqqa Suburb; Raqqa, Syria; June 2017

Taken on: 2017-06-13
Source: Mahmoud Bali (VOA)

Syrian Democratic Forces Armored Vehicle in Raqqa, Syria; June 2017

Syrian Democratic Forces Armored Vehicle in Raqqa, Syria; June 2017

Taken on: 2017-06-08
Source: Qasioun News Agency / Uploaded on Wikipedia

US Marine Fires Howitzer in Support of Syrian Democratic Forces Operation; Syria, June 2017

US Marine Fires Howitzer in Support of Syrian Democratic Forces Operation; Syria, June 2017

Taken on: 2017-06-03
Source: US Department of Defense

YPG Fighters Cross Euphrates River; Aleppo Governante, Syria, June 2016

YPG Fighters Cross Euphrates River; Aleppo Governante, Syria, June 2016

Taken on: 2016-06-01
Source: newroz kobani/Twitter

Rojava Administration Distributing Sugar; Tal Abyad, Syria, May 2016

Rojava Administration Distributing Sugar; Tal Abyad, Syria, May 2016

Taken on: 2016-05-25
Source: Unite Kurdistan/Twitter

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Announce Northern Raqqa Campaign; Kobane, Syria, May 2016

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Announce Northern Raqqa Campaign; Kobane, Syria, May 2016

Taken on: 2016-05-24
Source: QSD Press Office/Twitter

Funeral for key Hezbollah Commander Mustafa Badr al-Din; Beirut, Lebanon, May 2016

Funeral for key Hezbollah Commander Mustafa Badr al-Din; Beirut, Lebanon, May 2016

Taken on: 2016-05-13
Source: ElectronicResistance/Twitter

Car Bomb Hits Busy Market in Sadr City; Baghdad, Iraq, May 2015

Car Bomb Hits Busy Market in Sadr City; Baghdad, Iraq, May 2015

Taken on: 2016-05-11
Source: Iraq Live Update/Twitter

Iranian Soldier Wounded in Syria Returns to Iran; Sari, Iran, May 2016

Iranian Soldier Wounded in Syria Returns to Iran; Sari, Iran, May 2016

Taken on: 2016-05-10
Source: Sayed Abolfazl/Twitter

Self Defense Forces Centre Opens in Deir Jamal; Syria, May 2016

Self Defense Forces Centre Opens in Deir Jamal; Syria, May 2016

Taken on: 2016-05-07
Source: Dr Partizan/Twitter

Residents Return to al-Hawl After 6 Months; al-Hawl, Syria, May 2016

Residents Return to al-Hawl After 6 Months; al-Hawl, Syria, May 2016

Taken on: 2016-05-02
Source: Rojava Defense Units/Twitter

Kurdish Forces Capture Alaya Prison from Syrian Government; Qamishli, Syria, April 2016

Kurdish Forces Capture Alaya Prison from Syrian Government; Qamishli, Syria, April 2016

Taken on: 2016-04-21
Source: Hassan Ridha/Twitter

Anti-Syrian Government Protests; Azaz, Aleppo, Mar 2016

Anti-Syrian Government Protests; Azaz, Aleppo, Mar 2016

Taken on: 2016-03-15
Source: SMAART/Thomasvanlinge/twitter

Protests Against the Syrian Government; Bab Al Salam Refugee Camp, Aleppo, Mar 2016

Protests Against the Syrian Government; Bab Al Salam Refugee Camp, Aleppo, Mar 2016

Taken on: 2016-03-15
Source: Al Darar Al Shamiya/thomasvanlinge/twitter

SDF Flag Rises Over Shadadi; Shadadi, Syria, February 2016

SDF Flag Rises Over Shadadi; Shadadi, Syria, February 2016

Taken on: 2016-02-23
Source: QSD Press Office/Twitter

Rebels from 'Ahrar Al Sham' Recapture Baraghitah Village from ISIS; Aleppo, Syria, Dec 2015

Rebels from 'Ahrar Al Sham' Recapture Baraghitah Village from ISIS; Aleppo, Syria, Dec 2015

Taken on: 2015-12-03
Source: NorthernStork/twitter

Gun Mounted Technical of 'Jaish Al Sham' in Maryuda Village; Aleppo, Syria, Nov 2015

Gun Mounted Technical of 'Jaish Al Sham' in Maryuda Village; Aleppo, Syria, Nov 2015

Taken on: 2015-11-28
Source: archicivilians/twitter

'Jaish Al Sham' Fighters Storm the Town of Maklaha; Aleppo, Syria, Nov 2015

'Jaish Al Sham' Fighters Storm the Town of Maklaha; Aleppo, Syria, Nov 2015

Taken on: 2015-11-27
Source: Jaish Al Sham/Twitter

'Jaish Al Sham' Tank Advancing on the Village of Maklaha; Aleppo, Syria, Nov 2015

'Jaish Al Sham' Tank Advancing on the Village of Maklaha; Aleppo, Syria, Nov 2015

Taken on: 2015-11-27
Source: Jaish Al Sham/Twitter

Syrian Army Captures Material in Strike on Daesh Supplies; Kuweires, Syria, Nov 2015

Syrian Army Captures Material in Strike on Daesh Supplies; Kuweires, Syria, Nov 2015

Taken on: 2015-11-24
Source: Syrian Arab Army, via Ivan Sidorenko

Free Syrian Army Troops Capture Harjalah Town from ISIS; Harjalah, Syria, Nov 2015

Free Syrian Army Troops Capture Harjalah Town from ISIS; Harjalah, Syria, Nov 2015

Taken on: 2015-11-21
Source: Thomasvanlinge/twitter

Syrian Arab Army and National Defence Forces Atop T55 Tank; Sheikh Miskin, Syria, Nov 2015

Syrian Arab Army and National Defence Forces Atop T55 Tank; Sheikh Miskin, Syria, Nov 2015

Taken on: 2015-11-19
Source: Wassim Kher/Rook/Twitter

Jaysh Al Ashaer Establishes Governing Council; Raqqa, Syria, Nov 2015

Jaysh Al Ashaer Establishes Governing Council; Raqqa, Syria, Nov 2015

Taken on: 2015-11-18
Source: thomasvanlinge/twitter

Syrians and Iraq refugees arrive at Skala Sykamias, Lesvos, Greece; Oct 2015

Syrians and Iraq refugees arrive at Skala Sykamias, Lesvos, Greece; Oct 2015

Taken on: 2015-10-30
Source: Ggia/Wikipedia

Syrian Refugees & Migrants in Slovenia; Oct 2015

Syrian Refugees & Migrants in Slovenia; Oct 2015

Taken on: 2015-10-23
Source: Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia/Wikimedia

Kurdish (PYD) Legislative Council Leadership; Amude, Syria (Cizire Canton), October 2015

Kurdish (PYD) Legislative Council Leadership; Amude, Syria (Cizire Canton), October 2015

Taken on: 2015-10-15
Source: Janet Biehl/Flickr

Russian Helicopter Bombarding Kafr Nabudah (Unverified) ; Hama, Syria, Oct 2015

Russian Helicopter Bombarding Kafr Nabudah (Unverified) ; Hama, Syria, Oct 2015

Taken on: 2015-10-11
Source: thomasvanlinge/twitter

Smoke Trails from Helicopter Bombardment; Kafr Nabudah, Hama, Syria, Oct 2015

Smoke Trails from Helicopter Bombardment; Kafr Nabudah, Hama, Syria, Oct 2015

Taken on: 2015-10-11
Source: thomasvanlinge/twitter

Russian Aircraft at Latakia Airbase, NW Syria, Oct 2015

Russian Aircraft at Latakia Airbase, NW Syria, Oct 2015

Taken on: 2015-10-03
Source: Russian Military via Wikipedia

Free Syrian Army Captures Syrian Government T-72 Tank; Markabah, Hama, Syria, Sept 2015

Free Syrian Army Captures Syrian Government T-72 Tank; Markabah, Hama, Syria, Sept 2015

Taken on: 2015-09-09
Source: ThomasVanLinge/twitter

Syrian Rebel Tanks Bombard ISIS Positions; North Aleppo, Syria, Aug 2015

Syrian Rebel Tanks Bombard ISIS Positions; North Aleppo, Syria, Aug 2015

Taken on: 2015-08-13
Source: thomasvanlinge/twitter

Aftermath of Alleged Syrian Gov. Napalm Attack on Damascus Suburb of Darayya; Syria, Aug 2015

Aftermath of Alleged Syrian Gov. Napalm Attack on Damascus Suburb of Darayya; Syria, Aug 2015

Taken on: 2015-08-11
Source: archicivilians/twitter

Destroyed Building in Darayya after Alleged Syrian Gov. Napalm Attack; Damascus, Syria, Aug 2015

Destroyed Building in Darayya after Alleged Syrian Gov. Napalm Attack; Damascus, Syria, Aug 2015

Taken on: 2015-08-11
Source: archicivilians/twitter

Remnants of Syrian Government Tank Destroyed by Jaish Al Fateh; Tall Hamakah, Idlib, Syria, July 201

Remnants of Syrian Government Tank Destroyed by Jaish Al Fateh; Tall Hamakah, Idlib, Syria, July 201

Taken on: 2015-07-28
Source: thomasvanlinge/twitter

Fighters from Euphrates Volcano Coalition (FSA&YPG) Capture Sarrin Town; Aleppo, Syria, July 2015

Fighters from Euphrates Volcano Coalition (FSA&YPG) Capture Sarrin Town; Aleppo, Syria, July 2015

Taken on: 2015-07-27
Source: BosnoSinj/Twitter

Destroyed Hospital in the Nashoa Neighborhood of al-Hasakah, July 2015

Destroyed Hospital in the Nashoa Neighborhood of al-Hasakah, July 2015

Taken on: 2015-07-26
Source: ColdKurd/Twitter

Kurdish Fighters Enter the Abandoned Children's Hospital; Al-Hasakah, July 2015

Kurdish Fighters Enter the Abandoned Children's Hospital; Al-Hasakah, July 2015

Taken on: 2015-07-26
Source: ColdKurd/Twitter

Abandoned ISIS Tank in al-Hasakah; Syria, July 2015

Abandoned ISIS Tank in al-Hasakah; Syria, July 2015

Taken on: 2015-07-26
Source: ColdKurd/Twitter

Kurds in Erbil Protest Turkish Airstrikes Against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), July 2015

Kurds in Erbil Protest Turkish Airstrikes Against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), July 2015

Taken on: 2015-07-25
Source: Dilbar/Twitter

Jabhat Al Nusra Tank Fires on Syrian Government Forces; Al Zahraa District, Aleppo, Syria, July 201

Jabhat Al Nusra Tank Fires on Syrian Government Forces; Al Zahraa District, Aleppo, Syria, July 201

Taken on: 2015-07-06
Source: archicivilians/twitter

Rebel Forces of 'Fatah Halab' Celebrate in Captured Military Research Centre; Aleppo, Syria, July 20

Rebel Forces of 'Fatah Halab' Celebrate in Captured Military Research Centre; Aleppo, Syria, July 20

Taken on: 2015-07-04
Source: Mark/twitter

Free Syrian Army Tank of the 46th Division Fires at Syrian Government Forces; Al Zahra District, Ale

Free Syrian Army Tank of the 46th Division Fires at Syrian Government Forces; Al Zahra District, Ale

Taken on: 2015-07-03
Source: Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Rebels of 'Fatah Halab' Coalition Enter Military Research Centre; Aleppo, Syria, July 2015

Rebels of 'Fatah Halab' Coalition Enter Military Research Centre; Aleppo, Syria, July 2015

Taken on: 2015-07-03
Source: thomasvanlinge/twitter

Kurdish (YPG) Infantryman Mounting Abandoned Syrian Government Tank; Hasakah, Syria, June 2015

Kurdish (YPG) Infantryman Mounting Abandoned Syrian Government Tank; Hasakah, Syria, June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-29
Source: Sylezjusz/twitter

Rebels of the Southern Front Fire Grad Rockets at Syrian Government Positions; Daraa, Syria, June 20

Rebels of the Southern Front Fire Grad Rockets at Syrian Government Positions; Daraa, Syria, June 20

Taken on: 2015-06-29
Source: Thomas Van Linge/twitter

Turkish Soldiers on Guard in Suruc While Some Rises From Kobane, Syria; June 2015

Turkish Soldiers on Guard in Suruc While Some Rises From Kobane, Syria; June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-27
Source: BoycottIsrael/Twitter

Jaish Al Islam Rebel Tank on the Outskirts of Daraa City; Daraa, Syria, June 2015

Jaish Al Islam Rebel Tank on the Outskirts of Daraa City; Daraa, Syria, June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-25
Source: archicivilians/twitter

Kurdish Fighters Step on a Syrian Government Flag at a Captured Building in Qamishlo, June 2015

Kurdish Fighters Step on a Syrian Government Flag at a Captured Building in Qamishlo, June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-16
Source: Thomas van Linge/Twitter

Kurdish Fighter Smashes Picture of Hafez al-Assad; Qamishlo, Syria, June 2015

Kurdish Fighter Smashes Picture of Hafez al-Assad; Qamishlo, Syria, June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-16
Source: Syrian Reporter/Twitter

Peoples Protection Units Fighters at the Turkish Border after Capturing Tal Abyad, June 2015

Peoples Protection Units Fighters at the Turkish Border after Capturing Tal Abyad, June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-16
Source: YPG Defense Units/Twitter

ISIS Fighters Captured by Kurdish Forces in Tal Abyad, June 2015

ISIS Fighters Captured by Kurdish Forces in Tal Abyad, June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-15
Source: Kovan Direj/Twitter

Turkish Authorities Detain ISIS Militants Fleeing From Tel Abyad, June 2015

Turkish Authorities Detain ISIS Militants Fleeing From Tel Abyad, June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-15
Source: Mahir Zeynalov/Twitter

Women's Defense Unit (YPJ) Sniper Team on Roof Near Eastern Entrance of Tel Abayad; Syria, June 2015

Women's Defense Unit (YPJ) Sniper Team on Roof Near Eastern Entrance of Tel Abayad; Syria, June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-15
Source: Women Defense Units/Twitter

Kurdish People's Protection Units march into Tell Abyad, June 2015

Kurdish People's Protection Units march into Tell Abyad, June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-14
Source: YPG Defense Units/Twitter

Kurdish Fighters From the Cizire and Kobane Cantons Meet as they Connect the Cantons, June 2015

Kurdish Fighters From the Cizire and Kobane Cantons Meet as they Connect the Cantons, June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-14
Source: Kovan Direj/Twitter

Islamic State Soldiers Stop Displaced Syrian Families From Crossing into Turkey, June 2015

Islamic State Soldiers Stop Displaced Syrian Families From Crossing into Turkey, June 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Issa/Twitter

Kurdish YPG Anti-Terror Unit Mobilizing for Siege of Tell Abyad (Girê Spî‎), Syria; June 2015

Kurdish YPG Anti-Terror Unit Mobilizing for Siege of Tell Abyad (Girê Spî‎), Syria; June 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Dr Partizan/Twitter

Internationalist Freedom Brigade forms in Rojava (Northern Syria), June 2015

Internationalist Freedom Brigade forms in Rojava (Northern Syria), June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-10
Source: Occupied Taksim/Twitter

First Kurdish Language Teachers Training Institute in Kobani, Syria; June 2015

First Kurdish Language Teachers Training Institute in Kobani, Syria; June 2015

Taken on: 2015-06-01
Source: Jack Shahine/Twitter

Sorties From U.S. Aircraft Carrier Against Islamic State Positions; Persian Gulf, May 2015

Sorties From U.S. Aircraft Carrier Against Islamic State Positions; Persian Gulf, May 2015

Taken on: 2015-05-28
Source: (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josh Petrosino/Released)

Jaysh Usud Al-Sharqiyah Artillery Strike on Islamic State, East Qalamoun - Syria, May 2015

Jaysh Usud Al-Sharqiyah Artillery Strike on Islamic State, East Qalamoun - Syria, May 2015

Taken on: 2015-05-23
Source: thomasvanlinge/twitter

Islamic State Scorched Earth Policy, Kobane Canton-Syria, May 2015

Islamic State Scorched Earth Policy, Kobane Canton-Syria, May 2015

Taken on: 2015-05-20
Source: Jack Shahine/abulssaraqqa/twitter

Islamic State Fighters Burn Crops During Retreat; Kobane Canton, Syria, May 2015

Islamic State Fighters Burn Crops During Retreat; Kobane Canton, Syria, May 2015

Taken on: 2015-05-20
Source: Jack Shahine/abulssaraqqa/twitter

Jaysh Al Islam Front Line Trenches, Eastern Ghouta - Syria, May 2015

Jaysh Al Islam Front Line Trenches, Eastern Ghouta - Syria, May 2015

Taken on: 2015-05-17
Source: SMART News Agency/Thomas Van Linge

Liwa Sultan Murad Rebels, Aleppo Syria, Mar 2015

Liwa Sultan Murad Rebels, Aleppo Syria, Mar 2015

Taken on: 2015-03-29
Source: FSA - Liwa Sultan Murad/Thomas Van Linge

Mosque Destroyed by Syrian Gov Barrel Bomb, Jamrin - Syria, Mar 2015

Mosque Destroyed by Syrian Gov Barrel Bomb, Jamrin - Syria, Mar 2015

Taken on: 2015-03-22
Source: Archicivilians

Asayish (Kurdish Police) at Traffic Stop; Girke Lege, Syria, February 2015

Asayish (Kurdish Police) at Traffic Stop; Girke Lege, Syria, February 2015

Taken on: 2015-02-14
Source: Gulê Algunerhan/Twitter

European Union Commissioner Visits Syrian Refugees at Zaatari Camp, Jordan, Jan 2015

European Union Commissioner Visits Syrian Refugees at Zaatari Camp, Jordan, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-29
Source: European Commission DG ECHO

Kurdish Peshmerga Express Solidarity with Hebdo, Shingal Iraq, Jan 2015

Kurdish Peshmerga Express Solidarity with Hebdo, Shingal Iraq, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-29
Source: Enno Lenze

Peoples' Democracy Party (HDP) Delegates in Kobani, Syria; Jan 2015

Peoples' Democracy Party (HDP) Delegates in Kobani, Syria; Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-27
Source: Hilmi Hacaloğlu

Islamic State Building Captured by Syrian Kurdish Forces, Kobane, Jan 2015

Islamic State Building Captured by Syrian Kurdish Forces, Kobane, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-24
Source: Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Islamic State Weapons Seized by Kurdish Forces, Kobane, Jan 2015

Islamic State Weapons Seized by Kurdish Forces, Kobane, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-24
Source: Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Syrian Kurdish Forces Examine Captured Islamic State Arms, Kobane, Jan 2015

Syrian Kurdish Forces Examine Captured Islamic State Arms, Kobane, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-24
Source: Thomas Van Linge

Islamic State Weapons Seized by Kurdish Forces, Kobane, Jan 2015

Islamic State Weapons Seized by Kurdish Forces, Kobane, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-24
Source: Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Free Syrian Army Tank Fires on Government Positions, Suhayliyah, Jan 2015

Free Syrian Army Tank Fires on Government Positions, Suhayliyah, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-24
Source: FSA/Thomas Van Linge/twitter

Free Syrian Army First Corps Armor, Daraa Syria, Jan 2015

Free Syrian Army First Corps Armor, Daraa Syria, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-24
Source: FSA/Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Free Syrian Army Artillery Fire on Government Forces in Suhayliyah Syria, Jan 2015

Free Syrian Army Artillery Fire on Government Forces in Suhayliyah Syria, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-24
Source: FSA-Ahrar Inkhal Brigade/Thomas Van Linge/Jan 2015

Syrian Rebels of Levant Front Destroy Government Artillery, Safyat Syria, Jan 2015

Syrian Rebels of Levant Front Destroy Government Artillery, Safyat Syria, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-24
Source: Levantine Front/Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Tribal Fighters Form New Free Syrian Army Unit, Daraa, Jan 2015

Tribal Fighters Form New Free Syrian Army Unit, Daraa, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-24
Source: FSA/Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Free Syrian Army Technical Engaging Government Units, Sheikh Miskin, Jan 2015

Free Syrian Army Technical Engaging Government Units, Sheikh Miskin, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-24
Source: FSA 1st Army/Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Rebel Anti-Tank Unit Claims Knockout of Gov. T-55, Aleppo Syria, Jan 2015

Rebel Anti-Tank Unit Claims Knockout of Gov. T-55, Aleppo Syria, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-23
Source: FSA-Suqoor Al Jabl/Thomas Van Linge/twitter

Free Syrian Army 'Dawn of Freedom Brigade' Supports Kurdish Fighters, Kobane Syria, Jan 2015

Free Syrian Army 'Dawn of Freedom Brigade' Supports Kurdish Fighters, Kobane Syria, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-22
Source: Dawn of Freedom Brigades/Thomas Van Linge/twitter

FSA Dawn of Freedom Brigade Heavy Machine-gun, Kobanem Jan 2015

FSA Dawn of Freedom Brigade Heavy Machine-gun, Kobanem Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-22
Source: Dawn of Freedom Brigades/Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Free Syrian Army Fighters from the 'Levantine Front', Safyat, Jan 2015

Free Syrian Army Fighters from the 'Levantine Front', Safyat, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-22
Source: archicivilians/twitter

Pro Free Syrian Army Protest, Aleppo, Jan 2015

Pro Free Syrian Army Protest, Aleppo, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-22
Source: SMAARTSyria/Thomas Van Linge/twitter

FSA 13th Division, Morek, Jan 2015

FSA 13th Division, Morek, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-19
Source: Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Soldiers of the FSA 13th Division, Morek, Jan 2015

Soldiers of the FSA 13th Division, Morek, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-19
Source: Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

FSA 13th Division Trench, Morek, Jan 2015

FSA 13th Division Trench, Morek, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-19
Source: Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Free Syrian Army Fighter in Morek Syria, Jan 2015

Free Syrian Army Fighter in Morek Syria, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-19
Source: Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

YPG Flag on Captured Silo, Hasaskah, Jan 2015

YPG Flag on Captured Silo, Hasaskah, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-17
Source: YPG/Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Free Syrian Army 101st Infantry Batallion, Aleppo, Jan 2015

Free Syrian Army 101st Infantry Batallion, Aleppo, Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-13
Source: SMAARTSyria/Thomas Van Linge/twitter

Free Syrian Army 1st Brigade Fighters Winter Training, Damascus , Jan 2015

Free Syrian Army 1st Brigade Fighters Winter Training, Damascus , Jan 2015

Taken on: 2015-01-10
Source: FSA 1st Brigade/Thomas Van Linge/Twitter

Rojavan Women's Assembly; Qamislo, Syria, December 2014

Rojavan Women's Assembly; Qamislo, Syria, December 2014

Taken on: 2014-12-06
Source: Janet Biehl/Flickr

YPG Soldier, Kobane, December 2014

YPG Soldier, Kobane, December 2014

Taken on: 2014-12-03
Source: CE/ShoutWiki

YPG/YPJ Sewing Cooperative; Derik, Syria, December 2014

YPG/YPJ Sewing Cooperative; Derik, Syria, December 2014

Taken on: 2014-12-03
Source: Janet Biehl/Flickr

Coalition Airstrike, Kobane, October 2014

Coalition Airstrike, Kobane, October 2014

Taken on: 2014-10-26
Source: CA/ShoutWiki

Kobane Twin Explosions, Kobane Syria, October 2014

Kobane Twin Explosions, Kobane Syria, October 2014

Taken on: 2014-10-08
Source: Karl-Ludwig Poggemann

Smoke Trails, Kobane Syria, October 2014

Smoke Trails, Kobane Syria, October 2014

Taken on: 2014-10-07
Source: Karl-Ludwig Poggemann

ISIS Flag Atop Hill Overlooking Kobane, Oct 2014

ISIS Flag Atop Hill Overlooking Kobane, Oct 2014

Taken on: 2014-10-06
Source: CE/ShoutWiki

Iraqi Peshmerga Near the Syrian Border, October 2014

Iraqi Peshmerga Near the Syrian Border, October 2014

Taken on: 2014-10-05
Source: Enno Lenze

Mistenur Hill, Kobane, Oct 2014

Mistenur Hill, Kobane, Oct 2014

Taken on: 2014-10-04
Source: CE/ShoutWiki

Anti-ISIS Protesters, Cologne Germany, October 2014

Anti-ISIS Protesters, Cologne Germany, October 2014

Taken on: 2014-10-03
Source: Bernd Schwabe/Wikipedia

Kobane Resident Sprayed by Turkish Water Cannon, Turkey, Sept 2014

Kobane Resident Sprayed by Turkish Water Cannon, Turkey, Sept 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-22
Source: CE/ShoutWiki

Syrian Refugees Flee ISIS Offensive Kobane, Suruc Turkey, September 2014

Syrian Refugees Flee ISIS Offensive Kobane, Suruc Turkey, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-21
Source: Heike Hänsel/Flickr

Turkish Soldiers Secure Border close to Kobane, Suruc Turkey, September 2014

Turkish Soldiers Secure Border close to Kobane, Suruc Turkey, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-21
Source: Heike Hänsel/Flickr

Residents of Kobane seek Refuge in Turkey, Suruc Turkey, September 2014

Residents of Kobane seek Refuge in Turkey, Suruc Turkey, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-21
Source: Heike Hänsel/Flickr

Turkish Infantry Transports Reinforce Border, Suruc, September 2014

Turkish Infantry Transports Reinforce Border, Suruc, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-21
Source: Heike Hänsel/Flickr

Refugees from Kobane, Suruc Turkey, September 2014

Refugees from Kobane, Suruc Turkey, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-21
Source: Heike Hänsel/Flickr

Turkish Soldiers Secure Syrian Border with Kobane, Suruc Turkey, September 2014

Turkish Soldiers Secure Syrian Border with Kobane, Suruc Turkey, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-21
Source: Heike Hänsel/Flickr

Refugees at Turkish Border, Kobane, September 2014

Refugees at Turkish Border, Kobane, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-19
Source: CE/Shoutwiki

Burning Car Following Bomb Blast, Al Tabqah Syria, September 2014

Burning Car Following Bomb Blast, Al Tabqah Syria, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-11
Source: Raqqa-sl

Crowds Gather Around Exploded Car, Al Tabqah Syria, September 2014

Crowds Gather Around Exploded Car, Al Tabqah Syria, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-11
Source: Raqqa-sl

Car in Flames, Al Tabqah Syria, September 2014

Car in Flames, Al Tabqah Syria, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-11
Source: Raqqa-sl

Remnants of a Car after Explosion, Al Tabqah Syria, September 2014

Remnants of a Car after Explosion, Al Tabqah Syria, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-11
Source: Raqqa-sl

YPG and FSA Agree to Jointly Fight IS, Aleppo Syria, September 2014

YPG and FSA Agree to Jointly Fight IS, Aleppo Syria, September 2014

Taken on: 2014-09-10
Source: Raqqa-sl

Islamic State Fighter on Captured Plane, Al-Tabqa Airbase Syria, August 2014

Islamic State Fighter on Captured Plane, Al-Tabqa Airbase Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-SL/Islamic State

Abandoned Syrian Fighter Jet, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Abandoned Syrian Fighter Jet, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-sl/Islamic State

IS Capture Mount in Al Tabqah Airbase, Syria, August 2014

IS Capture Mount in Al Tabqah Airbase, Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-sl/Islamic State

Syrian Airforce Bombardment, Al Raqqah Syria, August 2014

Syrian Airforce Bombardment, Al Raqqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-sl

Syrian civilians on the street following government bombing, Al Raqqah Syria, August 2014

Syrian civilians on the street following government bombing, Al Raqqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-sl

Syrian Army Prisoners in a Truck, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Syrian Army Prisoners in a Truck, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-SL/Islamic State

Syrian Army Prisoners, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Syrian Army Prisoners, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-SL/Islamic State

Destroyed Government Outpost, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Destroyed Government Outpost, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-SL/Islamic State

Syrian Army Prisoners After the Fall of Al Tabqah Airbase, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Syrian Army Prisoners After the Fall of Al Tabqah Airbase, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-SL/Islamic State

Islamic State Soldiers in front of Captured Aircraft, Al Tabqah Airbase Syria, August 2014

Islamic State Soldiers in front of Captured Aircraft, Al Tabqah Airbase Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-SL/Islamic State

Islamic State Fighter brandishing Surface to Air Missle, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Islamic State Fighter brandishing Surface to Air Missle, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-SL/Islamic State

IS Fighters in Al Tabqah Airbase, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

IS Fighters in Al Tabqah Airbase, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-sl/Islamic State

Islamic State Fighter Poses Next to Captured Aircraft, Al Tabqah Airbase Syria, August 2014

Islamic State Fighter Poses Next to Captured Aircraft, Al Tabqah Airbase Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-24
Source: Raqqa-SL/Islamic State

IS Jihadists March Syrian Army Prisoners in Desert Near Raqqa, August 2014

IS Jihadists March Syrian Army Prisoners in Desert Near Raqqa, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-23
Source: IS Photo/via BBC

IS Jihadists Celebrate Victory over Syrian Army at Tabqah Airfield, Syria, August 2014

IS Jihadists Celebrate Victory over Syrian Army at Tabqah Airfield, Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-23
Source: IS Photo via Al Jazeera English

Government Airforce Bombing, Al Tabqa Syria, August 2014

Government Airforce Bombing, Al Tabqa Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-17
Source: Raqqa-SL/Islamic State

Syrian Airforce Bombing, Al Tabqah, August 2014

Syrian Airforce Bombing, Al Tabqah, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-15
Source: Raqqa-sl

Syrian Army Tank, Mleiha Syria, August 2014

Syrian Army Tank, Mleiha Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-14
Source: REUTERS/SANA/RELEASED

Islamic State Child Recruits in Training, Al Raqqah Syria, August 2014

Islamic State Child Recruits in Training, Al Raqqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-12
Source: Raqqa-sl/Islamic State

Islamic State Fighters from Different Nationalities Pose, Al Raqqah Syria, August 2014

Islamic State Fighters from Different Nationalities Pose, Al Raqqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-12
Source: Raqqa-sl/Islamic State

Siege of Tabqah Airbase, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Siege of Tabqah Airbase, Al Tabqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-08
Source: Raqqa-sl

Al Raqqah Civilians in a food line, Al Raqqah Syria, August 2014

Al Raqqah Civilians in a food line, Al Raqqah Syria, August 2014

Taken on: 2014-08-01
Source: Raqqa-sl/Zaid El Fares

Turkish Kurd Volunteers Breach Border, Kobane, July 2014

Turkish Kurd Volunteers Breach Border, Kobane, July 2014

Taken on: 2014-07-20
Source: CE/ShoutWIki

YPG Anti Tank Rocket, Kobane, July 2014

YPG Anti Tank Rocket, Kobane, July 2014

Taken on: 2014-07-14
Source: YPG/ShoutWiki

Kurdish (YPG) Snipers Defending Kobane from IS Forces, July 2014

Kurdish (YPG) Snipers Defending Kobane from IS Forces, July 2014

Taken on: 2014-07-11
Source: Wladimir via Wikishout

Buildings in Azaz, Northern Syria Scarred by War

Buildings in Azaz, Northern Syria Scarred by War

Taken on: 2014-03-08
Source: IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation

Babunnur Syrian Refugee Camp in Aleppo

Babunnur Syrian Refugee Camp in Aleppo

Taken on: 2014-03-08
Source: IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation

IHH Mobile Kitchen in Northern Syria

IHH Mobile Kitchen in Northern Syria

Taken on: 2014-03-07
Source: IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation

Destruction in Azaz, Syria

Destruction in Azaz, Syria

Taken on: 2014-03-07
Source: IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation

Arbat Transit Camp, Sulaymaniyah Iraq, March 2014

Arbat Transit Camp, Sulaymaniyah Iraq, March 2014

Taken on: 2014-03-03
Source: Cmacauley

Aftermath of Barrel Bomb, Aleppo Syria, February 2014

Aftermath of Barrel Bomb, Aleppo Syria, February 2014

Taken on: 2014-02-06
Source: Freedom House

IS Forces Marching Through Raqqa, Syria, January 2014

IS Forces Marching Through Raqqa, Syria, January 2014

Taken on: 2014-01-14
Source: IS Militant Website

Airstrike Debris, Douma

Airstrike Debris, Douma

Taken on: 2014-01-08
Source: Freedom House

Syrian Refugees Face an Uncertain Future

Syrian Refugees Face an Uncertain Future

Taken on: 2014-01-08
Source: Mohamed Azakir / World Bank/Flickr

Iran Embassy Bombing, Beirut 2

Iran Embassy Bombing, Beirut 2

Taken on: 2013-11-19
Source: Zero Hedge

Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

Taken on: 2013-11-18
Source: UNHCR/ M. Hofer

Child Victim of Sarin, Ghouta Syria, August 2013

Child Victim of Sarin, Ghouta Syria, August 2013

Taken on: 2013-08-21
Source: Eribin City

Syrian Rebel Sniper, Aleppo Syria, July 2013

Syrian Rebel Sniper, Aleppo Syria, July 2013

Taken on: 2013-07-29
Source: VOA

Za'atari Refugee Camp, Aerial

Za'atari Refugee Camp, Aerial

Taken on: 2013-07-18
Source: Sharnoff's Global Views (Public Domain)

Remnants of a Bomb, Taftanaz Syria, January 2013

Remnants of a Bomb, Taftanaz Syria, January 2013

Taken on: 2013-01-12
Source: IHH/Flickr

Syrian National Coalition, Doha Qatar, November 2012

Syrian National Coalition, Doha Qatar, November 2012

Taken on: 2012-11-18
Source: Syrian National Coalition

FSA Fighter Aleppo, Syria, November 2012

FSA Fighter Aleppo, Syria, November 2012

Taken on: 2012-11-05
Source: VOA

FSA Planning Session, Aleppo Syria, October 2012

FSA Planning Session, Aleppo Syria, October 2012

Taken on: 2012-10-19
Source: Scott Bobb/VOA

FSA Weapons Maintenance, Aleppo Syria, October 2012

FSA Weapons Maintenance, Aleppo Syria, October 2012

Taken on: 2012-10-19
Source: Scott BoBb/VOA

Wounded Civilian, Aleppo Syria, October 2012

Wounded Civilian, Aleppo Syria, October 2012

Taken on: 2012-10-11
Source: Scott Bobb/VOA

Aleppo Debris, Aleppo Syria, October 2012

Aleppo Debris, Aleppo Syria, October 2012

Taken on: 2012-10-06
Source: Voice of America News: Scott Bobb reports from Aleppo, Syria

FSA Machine Gunner in Aleppo

FSA Machine Gunner in Aleppo

Taken on: 2012-10-06
Source: Voice of America News: Scott Bobb

Rebel Medical Care, Aleppo Syria, October 2012

Rebel Medical Care, Aleppo Syria, October 2012

Taken on: 2012-10-05
Source: VOA

Car Bomb Damage, Aleppo, September 2014

Car Bomb Damage, Aleppo, September 2014

Taken on: 2012-10-03
Source: Spetsnaz1991/Flickr

Syrian Refugee Center, Turkey, September 2012

Syrian Refugee Center, Turkey, September 2012

Taken on: 2012-09-03
Source: Henry Ridgwell on Turkish border/VOA

FSA Pickup, Syria, September 2012

FSA Pickup, Syria, September 2012

Taken on: 2012-09-03
Source: Rudi Bakhtiar/VOA

Two destroyed tanks in front of a mosque in Azaz, Syria; Aug 2012

Two destroyed tanks in front of a mosque in Azaz, Syria; Aug 2012

Taken on: 2012-08-21
Source: Christiaan Triebert/Flickr

PYD Militiaman, Afrin Syria, August 2012

PYD Militiaman, Afrin Syria, August 2012

Taken on: 2012-08-20
Source: Scott Bobb/VOA

PYD Supporters, Afrin Syria, August 2012

PYD Supporters, Afrin Syria, August 2012

Taken on: 2012-08-20
Source: VOA

Turkey Reinforces Border After Kurdish Gains in Syria, 2012

Turkey Reinforces Border After Kurdish Gains in Syria, 2012

Taken on: 2012-08-06
Source: Voice of America (VOA)

Destruction in Bab Dreeb, Homs Syria, April 2012

Destruction in Bab Dreeb, Homs Syria, April 2012

Taken on: 2012-04-05
Source: Bo Yaser

Destruction in Bab Dreeb, Homs Syria, April 2012

Destruction in Bab Dreeb, Homs Syria, April 2012

Taken on: 2012-04-05
Source: Bo Yaser

Building Destruction, Homs Syria, April 2012

Building Destruction, Homs Syria, April 2012

Taken on: 2012-04-05
Source: Bo Yaser

House on Fire after Shelling, Homs Syria, February 2012

House on Fire after Shelling, Homs Syria, February 2012

Taken on: 2012-02-25
Source: Bo Yaser

FSA Tank Crew in al-Qsair, Syria, 2012

FSA Tank Crew in al-Qsair, Syria, 2012

Taken on: 2012-02-23
Source: Freedom House

Disposed Portrait of Bashar

Disposed Portrait of Bashar

Taken on: 2012-02-10
Source: Freedom House

Syrian Policeman Casuality

Syrian Policeman Casuality

Taken on: 2012-02-10
Source: Freedom House

Syrian Army in Douma, Damascus, January 2012

Syrian Army in Douma, Damascus, January 2012

Taken on: 2012-01-14
Source: VOA/Elizabeth Arrott

Government Checkpoint, Damascus Syria, January 2012

Government Checkpoint, Damascus Syria, January 2012

Taken on: 2012-01-14
Source: Elizabeth Arrott/VOA

Pro Assad Rally, Lattakia Syria, June 2011

Pro Assad Rally, Lattakia Syria, June 2011

Taken on: 2011-06-20
Source: Sammy.AW

Banyas Demonstration, Syria, April 2011

Banyas Demonstration, Syria, April 2011

Taken on: 2011-04-29
Source: Syria-Frames-Of-Freedom/ Flickr

Demonstration, Homs Syria, April 2011

Demonstration, Homs Syria, April 2011

Taken on: 2011-04-16
Source: Bo Yaser

Women's Protection Unit Fighters in Syria;

Women's Protection Unit Fighters in Syria;

Exact date taken unknown
Source: m4zlum/tumblr

Funeral of MLKP Fighter in Adana Turkey, 2015

Funeral of MLKP Fighter in Adana Turkey, 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: A Dunon/Twitter

Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPJ) Fighters Firing Machine Gun, 2015

Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPJ) Fighters Firing Machine Gun, 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Dilbar/Twitter

Poster for First Western Woman to Die Fighting for the Kurds in Rojava, Syria, 2015

Poster for First Western Woman to Die Fighting for the Kurds in Rojava, Syria, 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Allan Ku Kan/Twitter

Assyrian Women Learning How to Protect Themselves and Their Families From ISIS in Qamishli, 2015

Assyrian Women Learning How to Protect Themselves and Their Families From ISIS in Qamishli, 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: IraqiSuryani/Twitter

Members of the International Freedom Brigade in Tell Abyad, Syria; June 2015

Members of the International Freedom Brigade in Tell Abyad, Syria; June 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Insurrection News/Twitter

Residents Lining Up for Bread Distribution; Tal Abyad, Syria, June 2015

Residents Lining Up for Bread Distribution; Tal Abyad, Syria, June 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: A Dunon/Twitter

Geneva Call Training Kurdish Police Forces in Cizre/Jazeera Canton, July 2015

Geneva Call Training Kurdish Police Forces in Cizre/Jazeera Canton, July 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: A Dunon/Twitter

An Armored Vehicle Made in Rojava (Syria); July 2015

An Armored Vehicle Made in Rojava (Syria); July 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Idriss Nassan/Twitter

ISIS Weaponry and Ammunition Captured by YPG in Ein Issa, Syria; July 2015

ISIS Weaponry and Ammunition Captured by YPG in Ein Issa, Syria; July 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Idriss Nassan/Twitter

Syrian Kurdish Leaders Asya Abdullah and Nesrîn Abdullah Meet French President Hollande, Feb. 2015

Syrian Kurdish Leaders Asya Abdullah and Nesrîn Abdullah Meet French President Hollande, Feb. 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Women Defense Unit/Twitter

Syrian Minister of Defense Fahd Jassem al-Freij Meets Syrian Soldiers in Zabadani, 2015

Syrian Minister of Defense Fahd Jassem al-Freij Meets Syrian Soldiers in Zabadani, 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Hassan Ridha/Twitter

Syrian Children with Toy Guns; Azaz, Syria, Aug 2012

Syrian Children with Toy Guns; Azaz, Syria, Aug 2012

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Christiaan Triebert/Flickr

Leadership of the Liwa al-Quds (pro-Syrian Government) Forces; Aleppo, Syria, 2015

Leadership of the Liwa al-Quds (pro-Syrian Government) Forces; Aleppo, Syria, 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Hassan Ridha/Twitter

Funeral for Al-Sanadid Fighters; Syria, December 2015

Funeral for Al-Sanadid Fighters; Syria, December 2015

Exact date taken unknown
Source: Cûdî Xanê/Twitter