Refugee Children Keep Drowning While No One Is Watching
The death of the young Syrian boy Aylan Kurdi garnered the world’s attention, but he was far from alone. BuzzFeed News' Munzer al-Awad talks to two mothers who lost their children when the boat they took from Turkey to Greece sank.
Syrians Who Fled ISIS's Capital Say They Were Trapped By Fear And Desperation
"It's a miserable life, but people feel they don't have another choice," a woman who paid a smuggler to escape Raqqa, told BuzzFeed News.
Syrian Refugees In France Say Paris Terror Is The Terror They Fled
Some refugees say they expect a backlash against them following the attacks.
Why So Many Syrian Children Are Making The Trek To Europe Alone
“I wake up and I don’t hear any bombs,” said one teenager who took the perilous journey from Damascus to Berlin by himself.
Obama Administration Ends Program To Train And Equip Syrian Rebels
“I don't think the U.S. has a plan in Syria,” said a Syrian rebel whose unit has received U.S. military aid in the past.
Syrian Rebels And Activists Think Russia Is Bombing Them To Hurt The U.S.
"We were surprised because [Russia] attacked groups that get support from the U.S., but now we realized that they are fighting the U.S. through us."
What It’s Like To Be A Syrian Civilian Under Russian Bombs
Witnesses of Russia’s bombing campaign in northwest Syria describe carnage and civilian casualties in areas far from those under ISIS control.
U.S.-Backed Rebel Commander: Russia Doesn’t Care If The U.S. Supports Us
“We were steadfast against the regime, so now they brought its friend Russia to destroy us.”
Russia's Anti-ISIS Airstrike Campaign Begins With Attack On Western-Backed Rebel Areas
Moscow claims Syrian-piloted Russian jets are targeting ISIS, but Syrian activists post video showing attacks in areas controlled by rebels opposed to Bashar al-Assad.
Assad’s Strategy Is To Create Refugees
“They want to empty the country.”
The U.S.-Led Fight Against ISIS Has Killed Far More Civilians Than It Admits
“America killed us, and it said 'we didn’t kill civilians,'” a relative of one victim said. BuzzFeed News speaks to survivors on the border.
The Syrian Government Is Systematically Targeting Hospitals With Airstrikes
“The regime knows that there is a hospital here, and it wants to destroy it,” said one surgeon in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta, who says his hospital has been attacked five times.
ISIS Beheaded A Renowned Syrian Antiquities Expert And Hung His Body From Ancient Roman Columns
Khaled al-Asaad, 81, was instrumental in the excavation and restoration of Palmyra's vast ruins.
13 Exclusive Photos Of Looted (And Fake) Syrian Artifacts For Sale
Sources working on the black market that helps to fund Syria's civil war pass around photos of looted artifacts as well as forgeries, hoping to make a sale.
U.S.-Backed Syrian Rebel Leader Kidnapped In Syria
The commander, Col. Nadim al-Hassan, was most likely captured inside Syria by an Al-Qaeda affiliate, an official with the group tells BuzzFeed News.
This Is How Syrian Antiquities Are Being Smuggled And Sold
The trade in stolen antiquities from Syria funds all sides of the civil war that has engulfed the country. BuzzFeed News' Mike Giglio traveled along its porous border with Turkey to meet the people involved in this black market, from grave robbers and excavators to middlemen and dealers.
Syrian Rebels Say They Don't Fully Trust The New U.S. Plan To Train Them To Fight ISIS
“I’m sure they are not serious,” one rebel commander said of a new U.S. program to arm and train Syrian rebels. “But we have no choice.”
Smugglers Say Palmyra’s Artifacts Will Be “Good Business”
The overrunning of the ancient city has triggered a torrent of lament for its priceless remnants of history.
How An American Tourist Lost His Passport In Istanbul And Was Sucked Into Syria’s War
When a Michigan student was pickpocketed in Istanbul, little could he have known his passport would soon be peddled to spies and journalists as that of an ISIS fighter. BuzzFeed News’ Mike Giglio traced its journey through an underworld of smugglers, thieves, and refugees.
Swedish Journalist Free After Detention By Regime Forces In Syria
The detention of a Swedish freelance journalist by regime forces in Syria was a reminder of the myriad dangers facing reporters in the country.
ISIS Operative: This Is How We Send Jihadis To Europe
BuzzFeed News' Mike Giglio speaks to an ISIS operative in Turkey about the group's efforts to smuggle fighters to the West.
How To Get A Fake Syrian ID
It's surprisingly easy to do along the Turkey–Syria border — good news for refugees and jihadis alike. BuzzFeed News' Mike Giglio saw for himself just how simple the process was.
Turkish Forces Crack Down On Oil Smugglers After BuzzFeed News Investigation
"They besieged the town from all sides." The early-hours raid took place days after BuzzFeed News' Mike Giglio reported on one smuggling hub.
Smuggler Says He Sent ISIS Fighters To Europe
"The Western world thinks there is no ISIS in their countries — that all the jihadis have gone to fight and die in Syria." BuzzFeed News' Mike Giglio speaks with the men who claim to have helped ISIS slip into Europe.