'The town of Tadef is contested. Part of it is run by the Syrian opposition, and the rest by the Assad régime. Khalil Ibrahim has lived here all his life.
"We are here, and the Assad régime is about 100 metres away from us. We live in constant danger, close to the front line and the line of fire. We are forced to live here. We have nowhere else to live."
From the rented property where he lives, Ibrahim can see the home he grew up in. It's just out of reach.
"We moved to many places during the period of our displacement, until they told us we could return to our city. My house in on the side of the régime, but I can't go there, and they won't let me stay there."
Up until a month ago, 300 families lived in opposition controlled Tadef. Another 300 families have recently arrived, and many more are expected soon.
Omar al-Omar, an activist, said: "The devastation in Tadef is terrible. 50-60% of the town and the homes were destroyed. People tried to return several times, but that did not happen. Not a single civilian lives in the areas controlled by régime forces. That's because people are not safe from the practices of the régime, and the return of people to the city is banned."
Omar al-Omar, an activist, said: "The devastation in Tadef is terrible. 50-60% of the town and the homes were destroyed. People tried to return several times, but that did not happen. Not a single civilian lives in the areas controlled by régime forces. That's because people are not safe from the practices of the régime, and the return of people to the city is banned."
The future of the town is stark. Control has passed from the Assad régime to Daesh, and then back to the régime. The uncertainty is very stressful for residents. Khalil Ibrahim continued, "If the régime forces advance on our areas, we will flee from them. But we don't know where to go."
Because northern Syria hosts millions of displaced people, the decision to move here is less often a choice than a last resort. With Assad's foces no more than a few dozen metres away, the people live in constant fear of what happens if and when the Assad régime decides to claim control of the entire town and all of Syria.'
Because northern Syria hosts millions of displaced people, the decision to move here is less often a choice than a last resort. With Assad's foces no more than a few dozen metres away, the people live in constant fear of what happens if and when the Assad régime decides to claim control of the entire town and all of Syria.'
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