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Syria’s brutal civil war has created hundreds of thousands of refugees, civilians who have been forced to leave everything behind at home and travel in search of a new life in Europe.

Ismael, 25, filmed his journey to Germany with 19-year-old Naeem, capturing the most dangerous parts of a perilous trip, including the boat crossing from Turkey to Greece where hundreds of refugees have died this year.

In this exclusive footage, VICE News gives an insight into a desperate trek, as Ismael and Naeem give first-hand accounts of their journey, the life they left behind, and their hopes for the future.

Watch “Libya’s Migrant Trade: Europe or Die (Full Length)”

Read “In Photos: The People, Families — and a Cat — Who Battled to Reach Europe”