The 13-year civil war in Syria has roared back into prominence with a surprise rebel offensive on one of Syria’s largest cities and ancient business hub.

Syria’s antigovernment forces claimed a stunning advance into Aleppo, in a setback for the government in Damascus and its allies Russia and Iran.

Assad's regime, dominated by the radical Islamists of Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham, has seized most of the major northern city. This breakthrough was facilitated by the weakening of the pro-Iranian camp, thanks to the war in Lebanon.