16 Heart-Wrenching Photos From Aleppo That Everyone Needs to See

Updated on Dec 17, 2016 at 2:43 PM

Update: The evacuation of civilians and rebels out of Aleppo was halted on Dec. 16 over conflicting reasons. Syrian state news media reported that rebels broke the ceasefire by firing on evacuation convoys, according to the New York Times, while anti-government activists said the military blocked the evacuation passage.

Original story: The people of Aleppo need us all to pay attention. On Dec. 15, the evacuation of civilians and rebels began — more than 8,000, including children and the injured, were able to escape, but thousands more remain in the city ravaged by the ongoing Syrian war. Days before, Aleppo was overtaken by pro-government forces who unleashed bombs and began murdering civilians and rebels on the spot. A UN representative called it a "complete meltdown of humanity." While the evacuation is a hopeful sign for some, many evacuees will be taken to camps on the outskirts of the province of Idlib, a rebel-controlled area that's expected to be the government's next target, according to CNN. Others will likely become refugees with an unknown fate. Ahead, take a look at powerful photos that capture the current devastating situation in Aleppo.

Syrians evacuated from Aleppo arrive to the military-controlled region called Khan al-Aassal on Dec. 15. From there, humanitarian groups will transport them to temporary camps on the outskirts of the province of Idlib.

A Syrian man cries during an evacuation of rebels and their families in Aleppo on Dec. 15.

Buses wait for civilians and rebels to transport them from Aleppo on Dec. 15.

Smoke and flames rise from buildings in Aleppo's al-Zabdiya neighborhood after government strikes on Dec. 14.

A Syrian child is carried during an evacuation of rebels and their families on Dec. 15.

Syrians walk through Aleppo during the evacuation operation of rebels and their families on Dec. 15.

Aleppo residents watch as buses evacuate rebels and their families on Dec. 15.

Syrians evacuated from Aleppo arrive to the military-controlled region called Khan al-Aassal on Dec. 15.

Military forces walk through Syria during a military operation on Dec. 14 that resulted in shelling and air strikes.

A Syrian child evacuated from Aleppo arrives to the military-controlled region of Khan al-Aassal on Dec. 15.

Civilians who were evacuated from rebel-held territory arrive in the military-controlled Khan al-Aassal area on Dec. 15.

An injured boy sits inside an ambulance while Syrian rebels and their families wait to be evacuated to the government-controlled area of Ramoussa on Dec. 15.

A man helps a wounded Syrian woman onto the back of a truck as she flees the military attack on Aleppo on Dec. 14.

Syrian boys watch as evacuation buses take rebel fighters and their families from Aleppo on Dec. 15.

A Syrian man cries after he's evacuated from Aleppo and arrives at the military-controlled Khan al-Aassal region on Dec. 15.

Syrian children give signs as they arrive in the military-controlled Khan al-Aassal region on Dec. 15.

Children walk among the rubble as the evacuation takes place behind them in Aleppo on Dec. 15.