The enduring civil war in Syria has added another devastating outcome to their bag of irreversible destructions. Al-Hamama, a poor hamlet located in a rebel-held zone, is reduced to rubble by the incessant shelling of regime forces.  Villagers rendered homeless are forced to stay in caves where callous winter conditions get to them easily. There are some admirable ones who still persist on in face of the crisis, but often without adequate food, water or access to medical care. Here are some pictures to help us imagine their unimaginably harsh living environment. —Photo by AFP/text by Alisia Pek