It's a woman's world, too
In the Salahaldin neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria, young women have joined the first female fighting unit "Al Mouminin Aisha" to defend their homes and community from attacks by the Syrian regime and their allies.
Ready for battle
This 17-year old former college student-turned-fighter is one of 13 young Syrian women who have formed their own combat unit called "Um Al-Mouminin Aisha" to defend their community from attacks by the Syrian Regime on the Salaheldin neighborhood of Aleppo.
Clear focus
A 17-year old former college student concentrates on the tasks ahead as she receives training for combat against the Syrian regime.
Preparation
The "Um Al-Mouminin Aisha" all-female fighting unit is trained by Abu Deeb on how to handle weapons they will be using in clashes with Syrian regime forces in the Salahaldin neighborhood.
Combat training
Members of the "Um Al-Mouminin Aisha" fighting group stand alongside their fellow fighter as she is trained on how to handle a rifle in a combat situation in Aleppo.
Close encounter
Fighters of the all-female fighting unit " Al Mouminin Aisha," train on mounting bayonets to their Kalashnikovs for possible close quarters battle with Syrian regime soldiers.
Steadying hand
The leader of the "Um Al-Mouminin Aisha" fighting unit trains her fighters on how to set a scope and fire a sniper rifle.
Line of fire
Female fighters from "Um Al-Mouminin Aisha" form up on the separating line of the Salahaldin neighborhood splitting the area in half between opposition fighters and regime forces.
Behind the mask
This former university student-turned-activist picked up a weapon to protect herself and her neighborhood from attacks by the Syrian army.
Eager to learn
Female trainees of the "Al Mouminin Aisha" fighting unit watch closely as Free Syrian Army trainers show their group how to use different weaponry and equipment.
Setting her sights
One woman of the "Um Al-Mouminin Aisha" fighting unit is trained how to use the scope on a sniper rifle.