A surprise offensive by rebel forces opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime has led to a new round of fighting in a largely static civil war.

The sudden assault by Syrian rebels has rapidly redrawn the civil war’s front lines and threatened once again the authority of President Bashar al-Assad.

What’s happening in Aleppo? What we know about sudden rebel gains in Syria’s 13-year war and why it matters - Russia and Syrian warplanes launch strikes as insurgents seize Aleppo in shock advance

For years, Israel has carried out deadly strikes in Syria, saying its targets are Iran-backed militants including the Lebanese group Hezbollah. Those attacks have escalated in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel.

The surprise rebel offensive that has seized Aleppo and threatens other regime-held territories could mark a further weakening of Iran's regional sway but also spur a new cycle of violence and

Syrian opposition fighters have made a significant advance in Aleppo, capturing most of the city and controlling wide areas across Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo provinces. The offensive, aimed at halting attacks by government and Iran-backed forces,