The Battle for Aleppo City: Interview with an Opposition Activist

With the insurgents’ advance into Aleppo city, there is a sense of joy among many opposition activists and supporters, especially those who had once been inside the city but have been unable to visit since the outbreak of the war and the Syrian government’s seizure of the insurgent-held eastern neighbourhoods in 2016. The insurgent capture of the city now represents a chance for them to visit after many years of absence. One of these individuals is Abd al-Qadir Abu Yusuf, who works at the Azaz Media Office in the north Aleppo. Prior to the outbreak of the war in Syria, Abd al-Qadir was studying at the university of Aleppo. He also has relatives who have lived in the government-held areas of Aleppo city.

Abd al-Qadir (second from right) at Aleppo University in 2010.


Q: In truth was this operation expected? Or it came as surprise for the media guys in Azaz and north Aleppo countryside?

A: The battle is not a surprise. The factions were preparing for months for this battle, in addition to the statements of al-Jowlani [Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham leader] years ago during all his interviews, regarding preparation for military action against Aleppo. The matter is not a surprise for us.