Syrian children use Pokemon Go in bid to be rescued

As fever of the augmented reality mobile game Pokemon Go grips people around the globe, children in war-torn Syrian have found a new hope in attracting the attention of the people for their rescue.

https://twitter.com/Teymour_Ashkan/status/755997550151397380

Photos shared by the Revolutionary Forces of Syria Media Office, which have been widely shared on social media, show Syrian children holding Pokemon photos in hope the world will find them and save them from the atrocities of the war back home.



https://twitter.com/RFS_mediaoffice/status/756481017603555328

“I live in Kafr Nabl, the Aleppo countryside. Come catch me,” says one of the messages written on a poster held by a child.

https://twitter.com/RFS_mediaoffice/status/756475332287422465

“I am in Kafrnabol in #Idlib countryside, come find me,” says another.

https://twitter.com/RFS_mediaoffice/status/756470910773760001

Kafr Nabal is a rebel-held town in northwestern Idlib province, which is mostly held by an opposition alliance that includes al Qaeda affiliate al Nusra Front.

https://twitter.com/RFS_mediaoffice/status/756463771569295360

Another photo says: “I am a Pokémon at Idlib in Syria, would you please come and save me?”

https://twitter.com/RFS_mediaoffice/status/756461835692478464



https://twitter.com/RFS_mediaoffice/status/756459084816216064

Since its global launch, Pokemon Go has sparked a worldwide frenzy among users who have taken to the streets with their smartphones.

https://twitter.com/RFS_mediaoffice/status/756458145308893185

The free app uses satellite locations, graphics and camera capabilities to overlay cartoon monsters on real-world settings, challenging players to capture and train the creatures for battles.

But some Syrians see it as a chance to redirect attention to the conflict that began in March 2011, which has often fallen out of the headlines despite a spiralling death toll and the displacement of more than half the Syrian population.