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An image distributed by Islamic State militants on social media on August 25, 2015 purports to show explosives by a wall during what they said was the destruction of a Roman-era temple in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra. Syria's antiquities chief Maamoun Abdulkarim told Reuters the images did appear to show the destruction of the ancient Baal Shamin temple and correlated with descriptions given by residents of the explosion detonated there on Sunday. Five photos were distributed on social media showing explosives being carried inside, being planted around the walls of the temple, a large blast and then rubble. The arabic script seen along the bottom edge of the photograph reads "Placing explosives in the Baal Shamin pagan temple". REUTERS/Social Media

Life in Syria was wonderful, with all the amenities one would need to lead a comfortable life, until war changed everything. This is an account given by a Syrian woman who fled the town of Aleppo with her family in 2013 as a result of shelling that maimed her son, Khaled Al Shebli.

Aicha Al Shebli said Aleppo had all the facilities a modern city should have, such as doctors and schools, and was also relatively safe. However, it only took an instant to overhaul their life, which forced them to embark on a long journey and brought them to Australia.

"I was in the house, in the kitchen making dough for bread," she told Lateline. "It was early in the morning. The kids were outside, playing amongst the sheep. It was a nice warm day but then both sides started shelling, the government side and the [Free Syrian Army] side."

Her son, Khaled, was lying ill in bed inside when a rocket hit their homes and a fire ball entered his room and burned his face. "I believe something in the rocket was toxic, that's what burned his face off. The rest of his body was covered up and only the face was exposed," Al Shebli said.

It is still unknown to the family which side was responsible for the horrible burns their child had to suffer.

The following nine months were spent in a refugee camp in Lebanon where they met an Australian aid worker who brought their plight to the attention of the Australian ambassador posted there. He helped facilitate three operations on Khaled in Beirut.

After the family moved to Wollongong in south Sydney in December last year, they were granted refugee status. Only a few weeks back, Khaled, who is now 7 years old, already had the first of at least five operations he needs to undergo. The nose reconstruction has allowed him to breath easily.

Yunis, Khaled’s father, expressed his gratitude towards Lebanon for giving his family asylum and Australia for giving them a second chance in life.

"The lifestyle is good here and as long as you follow the laws, you will have a great life," he said. "No one will bother you. The schooling and medical help is all provided and everything runs smoothly."

He said he and his family are happy in Australia and the people here have been warm and accommodating. He also said that they have very little chances of returning to Syria.

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