Qusayr is a ghost town these days. There isn't very much to salvage after a major government offensive ousted rebels from this place, which is strategically located near the border with Lebanon and the main highway connecting Damascus to Syria's coast and to northern cities like Aleppo. Here, some people have come back to clean up the debris after the fighting.
The remains of Qusayr —
Qusayr is a ghost town these days. There isn't very much to salvage after a major government offensive ousted rebels from this place, which is strategically located near the border with Lebanon and the main highway connecting Damascus to Syria's coast and to northern cities like Aleppo. Here, some people have come back to clean up the debris after the fighting.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
Driving through town, there wasn't a single building left unscathed. The historic mosque took several direct hits during the fighting.
The remains of Qusayr —
Driving through town, there wasn't a single building left unscathed. The historic mosque took several direct hits during the fighting.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
The mosque's minaret has a gaping hole after being hit by a shell.
The remains of Qusayr —
The mosque's minaret has a gaping hole after being hit by a shell.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
The city's only church was badly damaged by the fighting. Some of the icons and paintings inside were also defaced -- the Syrian army blames Islamist rebels.
The remains of Qusayr —
The city's only church was badly damaged by the fighting. Some of the icons and paintings inside were also defaced -- the Syrian army blames Islamist rebels.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
The iconic clock tower in the city's central square was also destroyed.
The remains of Qusayr —
The iconic clock tower in the city's central square was also destroyed.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
A destroyed house is pictured in the old town, where many of the buildings have been reduced to rubble. Some people scavenged through the debris to find anything of value.
The remains of Qusayr —
A destroyed house is pictured in the old town, where many of the buildings have been reduced to rubble. Some people scavenged through the debris to find anything of value.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
A view inside the destroyed house belonging to George's brother.
The remains of Qusayr —
A view inside the destroyed house belonging to George's brother.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
Some heavier equipment is used in clean up efforts in a central square.
The remains of Qusayr —
Some heavier equipment is used in clean up efforts in a central square.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
A destroyed tank is pictured at the entrance to the city.
The remains of Qusayr —
A destroyed tank is pictured at the entrance to the city.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN