Life in Syria as illustrated by George Butler: in pictures

Children examine the burnt-out remains of a Syrian army tank in the centre of Azaz, two weeks after a devastating attack by government forces in August 2012. In the background, another destroyed tank stands before the battle-scarred mosque Photograph: George Butler

Lengthy queues form twice a day outside the bakery in Azaz for whatever bread there is. Citizens are rationed to three flat breads a day Photograph: George Butler

Omar, a member of the Free Syrian Army, poses with his submachine gun. He is one of eight brothers, five of whom have joined the rebel force Photograph: George Butler

Khalid Salim, a prisoner of the FSA, being held in a cage in Azaz. Both of his legs were in plaster, but how he came about his injuries was not revealed. Photograph: George Butler

Two weeks after the attack, life carries on in the shattered centre of town. A goatherd drives his animals along what used to be a busy shopping street, while a boy sits by the road, offering petrol for sale, albeit tiny amounts from two jerrycans Photograph: George Butler

Children are fascinated by the abandoned tanks that litter the centre of town. Photograph: George Butler

Butler drawing the scene in the centre of Azaz that appears in the first illustration in this gallery. Photograph: George Butler