Saving Tel Tamer
In Tel Tamer, a town on the lush green banks of the Khabur River in northeastern Syria, a group of rebel fighters - Christians and Kurds - are fighting to stave off an "IS" advance.
Christian sign
A church in a village in Al-Hasakah province, where more than 20,000 Christians still live.
Putting up a fight
Melke Rabo is a commander in the Christian militia Syriac Military Council, one of the groups fighting back against the "IS" advance.
Trail of destruction
Syriac Military Council members inspect a church which was destroyed when the village was taken over by Jabhat-al Nusra, an al-Qaeda affiliate.
Taking a breather
A Syriac Military Council soldier rests in a position overlooking "IS" positions.
Help from above?
A scene from the Christian neighborhood of Derek in northeastern Syria where Kurds make up most of the population.
A somber affair
A funeral service in the city of Derek where Kurds are carving out their own territory.
A hollow victory
A Syriac Military Council soldier stands in a building recaptured from Islamic State forces. The rebel fighters lack the weaponry and resources to defeat IS permanently.
Lost culture
A Syriac Military Council soldier walks among ruins of the Mosque in Tel Marouf, a town recently retaken from IS forces. The Islamic State fighters have left a trail of destruction in many areas, breaking and looting valuable cultural artifacts.