article_snippet: Revealing satellite images show how Syria has been flooded with darkness since the beginning of the civil war with 83 per cent of Syria's lights being extinguished since 2011.
article_snippet: In a picture taken four years ago, the nation's heavily-populated cities are clearly visible due to the  dense cluster of lights the nation's heavily-populated cities emit.
article_snippet: But in a photo taken this month, major cities including the war-torn country's capital Damascus, have all but disappeared from sight due to destruction, power shortages and people fleeing their homes.
article_snippet: Then: A satellite picture taken of Syria before civil war began in 2011 shows Syria's major cities emitting a dense cluster of lights at night .
article_snippet: Now: Four years later and 83 per cent of Syria's night-time light has disappeared due to  destruction, power shortages and people fleeing their homes .
article_snippet: Once Syria's commercial hub, Aleppo has been devastated by fighting and has lost 97 per cent of Aleppo night-time light .
article_snippet: The war-torn city of Aleppo, pictured last week, barely shows on the satellite images after four years of civil conflict . '
article_snippet: One of the most prominent eclipses depicted in the satellite images has taken place in the northern city of Aleppo where fierce fighting between rebels and Government forces has decreased the night-time lights emitted by 97 per cent.
article_snippet: In Government-held cities such as Damascus, the change has been less dramatic with a 35 per cent reduction in light output.
article_snippet: Also affected: The nation's capital Damascus has also been hit by fighting since 2011 with satellite imagery showing how night-time light has been reduced by 35 per cent .
article_snippet: People fleeing their homes, power shortages and physical destruction can all contribute to the decline in night light, which offers a unique glimpse into the destruction wrought by the violence in Syria.
article_snippet: Satellite imagery is the most objective source of data showing the devastation of Syria on a national scale. '
article_snippet: Taken from 500 miles above the Earth, these images help us understand the suffering and fear experienced by ordinary Syrians every day as Syrians country is destroyed around Syrians.'
highlights_snippet: Satellite photos show how country has been affected by four years of war .
  
highlights_snippet: Aleppo is the worst hit with 97% reduction in Aleppo night time light output .
  
highlights_snippet: Government-held Damascus also affected, with 35% of lights disappearing .
  