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.

The retaking of Aleppo marks the first major development in years in Syria's grinding civil war, which had largely fallen from the world's headlines. It also raises fresh questions about the opposing sides,

Airstrikes also hit residential buildings in the city of Idlib, which has become a refuge for people displaced by the civil war, killing at least 12 civilians, according to the White Helmets, an independent rescue organization.