In Northern Syria, Displaced Homeowners are Returning to Homes After Ten Years of Conflict

After ten years of conflict and displacement, many Syrians are making their way back to their homes, only to find them stripped of belongings and left without roofs.
In towns like Maarat al-Numan and Kfar Nabl in northern Syria, people who fled in the past have returned since the downfall of former President Bashar al-Assad, but are now facing the grim reality of widespread looting and destruction.
Maarat al-Numan, strategically located between Aleppo and Damascus, became a significant site during the Syrian civil war. In 2020, Assad’s forces retook the area from rebel control. Following this, groups loyal to Assad plundered homes and demolished some to salvage valuable materials like furniture, steel, and wires, human rights organizations reported. These items were reportedly sold for profit.
Aerial footage of the region reveals rows of houses still standing, yet missing their roofs.
Anmar Zaatour, who fled in 2019, returned in 2025 to find his house ruined. “There was nowhere to put our children,” he said. “This damage wasn’t caused by bombing; it was the military. And it’s not just my house, it’s my neighbours’ and friends’ homes too.”
Zakaria al-Awwad, overwhelmed by a mix of joy and sorrow upon his return to Maarat al-Numan, found his house destroyed—”one of the first to be hit,” he shared. “There’s no place like home,” he said. “Even if I have to put up a cloth sheet, it’s better than anything else. Now we have freedom, and that’s priceless.”
Other returnees, however, were more cautious about what lay ahead. “The issue is, it’s impossible to restart life without a roof,” said Hassan Barbesh, a returning resident. “Maarat al-Numan is a poor town. Starting over from scratch will be extremely hard.”
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Saviour God wants us to live. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 MSG
It is very important that we prioritise prayers for leaders and nations in order to see a real change in governance and see peace in nations. The war in Syria has had  profound and multifaceted consequences for the nation, extending far beyond the battlefield. The human toll has been immense, with significant loss of life, displacement of populations, and long-term psychological trauma that can affect generations. Economically, the war has disrupted  national productivity, destroyed infrastructure, and led to crippling debt and currency devaluation, hampering recovery efforts. The social impact is equally severe, with education systems, families, and vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of the conflict’s lasting effects.
Politically, the war has destabilised the  government, fostered corruption, and even led to a loss of sovereignty or a breakdown of national unity. Furthermore, the environment has suffered frequent damage, exacerbating resource scarcity and hindering sustainable development. In the aftermath, Syria  faces daunting challenges in rebuilding, not only in terms of physical infrastructure but also in healing societal divisions and restoring cultural heritage.  The return of families to their homes is a testament of the power of prayer and not just a one time prayer but continued prayer.
The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. James 5:16 AMPC