Miguel Medina, a photographer for Agence-France Presse, visited Latakia, a northern province of Syria in April, 2013. He had the opportunity to spend several nights with members of the al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam brigade, and was permitted to make formal portraits of the fighters at a training session during their downtime . The portraits show the faces of men who are local citizens of the area, and who joined the brigade to defend their homes and neighborhoods. Al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam is a part of the Free Syrian Army, a coalition of rebel groups that are fighting government forces with the help of more experienced foreign fighters.

Abu Fares a decorator and member of the al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam brigade poses for a picture on April 25, 2013.

Abu Fahed, a costume and props designer and member of the al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam brigade poses for a picture with the brigade flag on April 25, 2013.

Youssef, a 23-year-old driver and member of the al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam brigade poses for a picture on April 25, 2013.

Abu Baker, a 19-year-old handyman and member of the al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam brigade, poses for a picture on April 24, 2013.

Mustafa a 23-year-old labourer and member of the al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam brigade poses for a picture on April 24, 2013.

Assad al-Islam (the lion of Islam) a 29-year-old pastry worker and member of the al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam brigade poses for a picture on April 24, 2013.

Saleh a 27-year-old accountant and member of the al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam brigade poses for a picture on April 25, 2013.

Abu Said a 25-year-old employee and member of the al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam brigade poses for a picture on April 25, 2013.

Abu Musaab, 37, electrician and member of the al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam brigade poses for a picture on April 24, 2013.

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