The Siege of Eastern Ghouta and Seven Years of War in Syria

More than a thousand people are believed to have been killed in recent weeks as Syrian government forces laid siege to the rebel-controlled region of eastern Ghouta outside the capital of Damascus. The United Nations estimates that 400,000 people still live in the villages and towns in the besieged region, trapped by several rebel groups who won’t let them leave and by Syrian government blockades that block their paths. Despite international pressure to call a ceasefire, Syrian ground forces and Russian-backed air forces have maintained their assault, recently gaining territory and splitting the region into three parts. This battle is just one of many still taking place across the fractured nation of Syria seven years since the start of its civil war.

Read more
Hints: View this page full screen. Skip to the next and previous photo by typing j/k or ←/→.

Most Recent

  • Finnbarr Webster / Getty

    Photos of the Week: Iron Buffalo, Sunset Camel, Annular Eclipse

    Wildfires and drought in South America, Israeli missile strikes in Lebanon, early Christmas celebrations in Venezuela, a dahlia show beside Stonehenge, and much more

  • © Kelvin Yuen / The 15th Epson International Pano Awards

    Winners of the 2024 Epson International Pano Awards

    The 15th annual panoramic-photo competition has just concluded, and the winning images and finalists have been announced.

  • Joe Raedle / Getty

    Photos: The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

    Images from the past weekend showing some of the devastation in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee

  • Sun Zhongnan / VCG / Getty

    Photos of the Week: Mansion Graffiti, Medieval Battle, Skeletal Deer

    The effects of Hurricane Helene in Cuba, a simulated moon walk in Germany, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, runway scenes from Paris Fashion Week, and much more