WATCH: video in Kurdish
JARABLUS, Syria—The town of Jarablus on the Turkish border, recently liberated from Islamic State (ISIS), still has the many signboards put up by the Islamic State. Perhaps the most obvious reminder of the terrorist group is their name written in Arabic calligraphy on the gate to the town.
The only difference appears to be the presence of two fighters from the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA).
In the downtown, a main public square bears in a placard that reads “martyrs’ square” in black. The many ISIS writings on the walls in various neighbourhoods are untouched.
Official offices look empty and their doors are locked. Very few people are out. Military vehicles of the Syrian opposition forces are the prevalent presence on the streets.
A shop owner who sells very limited food items to those who can afford them, said the children in the town are bothering his small business. The solution, he said, is education. One of the many basic needs the town urgently needs but lacks to this date.
“There is no schooling here for the children or the youth. There is no education for girls or boys. We call on those who can to open schools for the children. They are playing on the streets. They are coming here stealing my stuff. Let them receive education in the school,” said the shopkeeper.
Cars are being stopped on the streets for security check ups. An old man driving his truck says with laughter that he does not know whether the Free Syrian Army in Jarablus is any better than the Islamic State or not.
Some writings on boxes show aid distribution under ISIS from the Syrian Red Crescent.
Parts of the town remind the residents of total destruction. Despite that, some are seen coming back to the town, hoping they can rebuild.
“Thanks be to God, the new life here is a rebirth. There are a lot of civilians in Jarablus now. People have started coming back to the town again,” said a man who was interrupted by what appeared to be gunfire.
“It might be a landmine” he said, promising he is going to bring his family back to the town.
The only difference appears to be the presence of two fighters from the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA).
In the downtown, a main public square bears in a placard that reads “martyrs’ square” in black. The many ISIS writings on the walls in various neighbourhoods are untouched.
Official offices look empty and their doors are locked. Very few people are out. Military vehicles of the Syrian opposition forces are the prevalent presence on the streets.
"There is no electricity. There is no running water, no health care, or schools. There is little bread," a frustrated middle-aged man said. "We demand the creation of a local council so that they can take care of running the town's administration.
A blackboard displays the names of non-Syrian Arab ISIS fighters. Instructions and guidelines for life under ISIS are written on walls.
A shop owner who sells very limited food items to those who can afford them, said the children in the town are bothering his small business. The solution, he said, is education. One of the many basic needs the town urgently needs but lacks to this date.
“There is no schooling here for the children or the youth. There is no education for girls or boys. We call on those who can to open schools for the children. They are playing on the streets. They are coming here stealing my stuff. Let them receive education in the school,” said the shopkeeper.
Cars are being stopped on the streets for security check ups. An old man driving his truck says with laughter that he does not know whether the Free Syrian Army in Jarablus is any better than the Islamic State or not.
Some writings on boxes show aid distribution under ISIS from the Syrian Red Crescent.
Parts of the town remind the residents of total destruction. Despite that, some are seen coming back to the town, hoping they can rebuild.
“Thanks be to God, the new life here is a rebirth. There are a lot of civilians in Jarablus now. People have started coming back to the town again,” said a man who was interrupted by what appeared to be gunfire.
“It might be a landmine” he said, promising he is going to bring his family back to the town.
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