Clown of Aleppo killed in air strike

Syrian social worker Anas al-Basha who dressed up as a clown to cheer up children in war-torn Aleppo has reportedly died.

He was killed in a presumed government or Russian strike on the eastern Mashhad district, the Independent reported.

Anas al-Basha, 24, popularly known as the “Clown of Aleppo” was the director of Space for Hope, a charity which tries to provide services for people in opposition areas.

Al-Basha's supervisor, Samar Hijazi, said he had a way of reaching out to children.

"He would act out skits for the children to break the walls between them," she said.

Al-Basha was also a comfort to the grown-ups, she said.

"All of us in this field are exhausted, and we have to find strength to provide psychological support, and continue with our work," said Hijazi. 

Al-Basha got married only two months ago.

(WION)