This is an escape, but also an emancipation. They are surprised, they are joyful. Some still have the marks of fear on their faces. Some can’t believe they are saved.

Some have children on their laps, some carry bundles, or their homes on their backs. Whatever they could save they took with them. Those who fled on foot have fewer things, it’s not easy to carry them.

Some of the women are completely covered. Others have colorful scarves on their heads. Some men have beards, some are wearing the jilbab. Light colors. Because it’s too hot.

Fighters accompany them. They are the Syrian Democratic Forces who launched an operation on June 6 to liberate Raqqa. Female and male fighters. Kalashnikovs on their backs, they ensure safe passage for people fleeing Raqqa.

Throughout the way, they are helping civilians. There is great psychological support. Female fighters go to the young people, the children and old women, and ask what they need.

One Raqqa resident with a sack on his shoulder flashes the victory sign with his hand, showing his joy.

A female fighter puts the pacifier back into the mouth of an infant on her mother’s lap. She is wearing a black niqab. She is too young. There are other children with her. There are also young people among those who fled. Red and blue scarves on young women’s heads catch the eye.

A female fighter who takes the civilians one by one to a shelter point says that she spoke to each person, and everybody was very happy. The fighter in a military uniform says: “The people are very happy. They are glad they have escaped Raqqa. They tell us to save the others left behind.” The same fighter adds that the Raqqa residents always express how happy they are to meet YPG and YPJ fighters.

The female fighter then returns to tend to the civilians. She plays with the children and dispenses water to the civilians in the square. And a Raqqan woman turns to the fighters and says: “We were waiting for you, we knew you would save us.”

Another Raqqan has brought his birds with him. He takes one out of the cage and hands it over to the female fighter. The fighter caresses the bird happily, and then tea service starts.

In the Raqqa region, people fleeing ISIS tyranny are moving to the safe areas set up in the Northern Syrian Federation territory. Resources are limited, but they are trying to do the best they can. Some of the people who had to leave their homes are settled in migrant camps, and others in temporary shelter centers.