Türkiye Today becomes first English news outlet to report from Deir ez-Zor

Türkiye Today has become the first English-language news outlet to visit Deir ez-Zor since the city’s liberation from the forces of Bashar al-Assad. The town, ravaged by years of conflict, now bears the scars of war while its residents begin to piece their lives back together.

Ilker Sezer, Managing Editor of Türkiye Today, documented his visit to the eastern Syrian city, capturing images of its current state. Among the scenes etched into his lens were abandoned tanks at the city’s entrance, now repurposed by Syrian children as makeshift playgrounds. The remnants of Assad’s forces were also visible, with discarded uniforms left behind during their hasty retreat.

Sezer’s visit to Deir ez-Zor highlighted the desolation and resilience of its people. Two Syrians passing by on a motorcycle stopped to greet him with heart and peace signs.

The city’s ruins also reveal traces of foreign involvement in the conflict. Freshly painted Russian and Syrian regime flags were seen on abandoned military structures, underscoring Moscow’s enduring support for Assad during the years of turmoil.

Türkiye Today’s reporting marks a significant milestone, offering a rare glimpse into a region that has remained largely inaccessible to global media since the Assad regime’s collapse.