The Free Syrian Army (FSA) formed in 2011 during the early stages of the Syrian Civil War in revolt against the repressive government of President Bashar al-Assad. It advocated for democratic reforms and an end to authoritarian rule and was largely made up of Syrian civilians. The FSA gained marginal support from the United States and some European countries but eventually fragmented due to lack of support and competition from extremist factions like the Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda, and, eventually, the Islamic State.

This collection of images was made while shadowing a ragtag group of young men loosely organized under the FSA along their frontlines with the Syrian Army in Aleppo in 2012. The group, some barely teenagers, included doctors, students, lawyers, and teachers. New soldiers hardly equipped for their fight.