Syria's Tel Rifaat: A Night of Quiet After Years of Fear

In the small town of Tel Rifaat, Syria, the skies were finally still after years of turmoil. Ali, a 48-year-old guard, sat by a wood stove at an old police post, watching over the northern entrance. He was cautious, using only his first name for safety. But this night was different; there were no bombs falling. As the sun set, rebel fighters from the town gathered in the courtyard of a primary school. They had recently driven out government-allied forces, ending their own displacement. These fighters had lived in tents for years, waiting for this moment. Now, they knelt for the evening Muslim prayer, relief and joy filling their hearts. Families from the town were already returning, eager to rebuild their lives. The victory meant more than just reclaiming the town; it meant an end to the constant fear of bombardment. It meant families could return to their homes, children could go back to school, and life could start to feel normal again. But the fighters knew the journey was far from over. They were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to protect their town and ensure a peaceful future.