Aleppo, Syria – Amid the remnants of a tumultuous past, Abu Ahmad shines a light from his phone onto an unexploded device in the basement of a building that once operated as a military outpost for the regime. Today, Abu Ahmad leads a facility for the Syria Civil Defence, widely recognized as the White Helmets, who have steadfastly dedicated themselves to humanitarian efforts amidst tremendous challenges.
The White Helmets, composed of volunteers from various backgrounds, have tirelessly engaged in life-saving operations throughout the Syrian civil war and have remained active in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in early 2023. Their commitment to providing emergency assistance and rescuing those trapped beneath rubble is a testament to their unwavering resolve.
Following an opposition offensive initiated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that reclaimed control of Aleppo on November 30, 2023, the White Helmets established their base in this repurposed military building. The remnants of the previous regime are visibly scattered throughout the site, including discarded military uniforms and personal effects hastily abandoned by soldiers. Pro-regime graffiti can still be seen, though many messages of loyalty to Bashar al-Assad have since been defaced, symbolizing a shift in allegiance among the local population.
The Work Continues
In the wake of over 13 years of conflict, the White Helmets face significant challenges as they embark on a mission to restore hope and stability. Their responsibilities encompass clearing debris, demining structures, and searching for mass graves—remnants of a fierce battle that ravaged the city between 2012 and 2016. This period starkly illustrated the extent of suffering that Aleppo endured, making it one of the cities most profoundly affected by war.
Abu Ahmad, who was among the first to volunteer for the White Helmets in 2013, has borne witness to the dire consequences of the conflict. During relentless aerial bombardments, the White Helmets risked their lives to save others, often under the threat of a “double tap” bombing strategy employed by opposing forces, which involved striking again as rescue workers responded to initial attacks. The toll of such tactics is heavy, as Abu Ahmad shared, having lost five close companions to these perilous circumstances. Yet amid such tragedies, the resilience of the White Helmets prevails.
Interestingly, the building now utilized by the White Helmets has a history of serving as a fire station before being repurposed as a military post. Despite the complex dynamics of the past, Abu Ahmad advocates for collaboration with the former firefighters. “We forgive them for what they did,” he asserted. “What matters now is working together to rebuild the city.” This spirit of unity and cooperation stands as a hopeful beacon for the residents of Aleppo, as they collectively look toward a future marked by recovery and resilience.
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