Rebel strikes Why did civil war reignite and what comes next?

Eight years ago, indiscriminate Russian airstrikes helped the forces of the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, drive rebels from Aleppo a crucial turning point in the country's civil war, which has largely been in a state of stalemate since 2020.

- Archie Bland

Last weekend a stunning rebel offensive seized Aleppo again - and the Assad regime now faces its greatest threat in years. Here's what you need to know.

What's happened in Aleppo?

The new offensive in Syria began last Wednesday when rebel groups claimed to have swiftly seized control of a military base and 15 villages held by government forces in north-western Aleppo province. The rebels, led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), cut off the main highway from Damascus to Aleppo. Assad's ally Russia launched airstrikes in response.

By last Friday night, HTS fighters had progressed from their base in the countryside to the outskirts of Aleppo, and by Sunday they appeared to have complete control of the city. The Syrian military was rushing reinforcements and equipment to Hama province amid fierce fighting as the rebels attempted to push south towards the regional capital there. Meanwhile, Syrian and Russian airstrikes have been pummelling opposition controlled areas.

What is the history of the civil war?