Aleppo before & after: Shocking images underscore war devastation of ancient Syrian city (PHOTOS)

Five years on since civil war broke out in Syria, shocking photos show the destruction caused to Aleppo, the country’s largest city before the conflict, in grim before and after pictures.

Aleppo, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site, has been at the forefront of the war since July 2012 and has suffered catastrophic devastation as a result.

Thousands have been killed in the Battle of Aleppo and much of its ancient heritage has suffered significant damage.

READ MORE: Aleppo residents begin escape from besieged neighborhoods via safe passage – local media 

These 10 images by Olympia.gr show before and after shots of this once beautiful ancient city, now lying in ruins.

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