Lake Assad

Visitors trickle back to Syria citadel used by ISIL

An ancient lake-side fortress once used by ISIL to launch attacks is slowly regaining its status as a key cultural destination, attracting visitors from across war-torn Syria.

Families posed for pictures under the hot June sun, some perched on an ancient brick wall overlooking the banks of Lake Assad, a man-made reservoir in northern Syria's Raqa province.