ADVERTISEMENTHis blooded face became one of the symbols of the Syrian War that has waged for more than six years.
When the family home of Omran Daqneesh was bombed last year, activists shared photos and videos of the frightened boy in the aftermath.
The pictures and videos went viral.
New photos have emerged of Omran in his new home, which is under government control.
In an interview, his father told a reporter from Iran’s Al-Alam TV that his son had been a pawn in the international media’s attack on President Bashar-al-Assad. He said the family had always been pro-regime.
Mohammed Daqneesh say he was with his son when the attack took place. He said Omran suffered superficial injuries and that he was taken to hospital by “gunmen” even though there was no need. “It was against my will,” he said.
Mr Daqneesh says he was put under pressure to talk against the Syrian regime but refused.