Photos: The Free Syrian Army Fighter Who Takes Care of Puppies

Across Syria, photographers have captured soldiers of the Free Syrian Army caring for stray dogs and taking them in as their own. Some fighters, like Ahmed al-Hussein, care for entire packs of dogs.

Photographer Hosam Katan works on the front lines of the city of Aleppo. "I have been going there for nearly four months," he explained via Facebook message to Newsweek. "A few days ago, I went to a village near Azaz [a town outside Aleppo near the Turkish border], and there are now more puppies and dogs, the largest group I've seen so far."

Ahmed al-Hussein, a Free Syrian Army soldier, spends part of his time surrounded by stray dogs. "He told me that he cares about these dogs and is securing them with food and drink," Katan said. In addition to feeding the dogs, al-Hussein finds them safe places to sleep and cares for the pregnant dogs, arranging places for them to give birth and take care of their puppies.

The dogs are grateful to have protection from the nearby fighting, Katan said. "When the dogs see Ahmed, they go to him. If they want to play, they go to Ahmed."

Katan knew al-Hussein before he joined the army and said he always had a passion for animals. "Before the revolution, Ahmed lived in the southern countryside of Aleppo, and he loved dogs. He was always interested in the dogs but never took care of them before the war."

"There are so many homeless animals in Aleppo, but you find people who care for them," Katan said. Across Syria, a number of puppies have found homes with Syrian Free Army soldiers, keeping close to their side even during mortar launches.