Aleppo residents show devastation, say goodbye on social media

As the shelling and airstrikes resume in Aleppo, social media has provided eyes on the ground and insight into what life is like for the residents still there. Their view is largely one of destruction and devastation as bombs continue to fall.

Though service in the area is spotty, activists and freelance journalists have been posting frequent video updates and photos to Twitter, sometimes with the preface that it may be their last.

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Here’s a look at what four Aleppo residents have been seeing and hearing over the past few days.

Bilal Abdul Kareem

The Syria-based U.S. journalist and filmmaker has been posting self-shot video updates chronicling daily life in Aleppo. Among the most chilling of his recent posts was a simple 18-second video showing what it sounds like as he brushes his teeth at the start of the day.

“This is a normal morning here in Aleppo,” Kareem said, appearing unfazed by the endless explosions and fighting heard in the background.On Monday, he posted a video he said might be his “final message.” But he has posted several times since, most recently on Wednesday, when he gave an update on the resumed shelling and encouraged onlookers to “stay engaged.”

Zouhir al-Shimale

Al-Shimale is a freelance journalist based in eastern Aleppo. He spoke CBC Radio’s The Current on Wednesday, giving an update on the civilian situation in the city. He has also been posting updates on Twitter.