Rebels take control of Aleppo in Syria, increasing challenges for President Bashar al-Assad.

Rebel group in Syria have taken control of most parts of Aleppo, the country's second-largest city. In response, Russia has launched airstrikes on some areas of Aleppo. Supporters of Syria President Bashar al-Assad's government are upset that government forces have retreated in Aleppo.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fighting resumes in Syria after four years, Russian jets bomb key areas.
• Rebels claim full control of Idlib province.

Reuters, Damascus: Fighting has erupted once again in Syria after years. The Syrian army has admitted that rebels have entered large parts of Aleppo city and have killed dozens of soldiers. The army has withdrawn its troops from other parts of the city and is now planning a counterattack against the rebels.

It has been reported that after rebels captured Aleppo, the Russian military became active, and its fighter jets began attacking the rebels. The capture of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, has once again increased challenges for President Bashar al-Assad.

The latest attack, however, was carried out by fighters of the Islamic group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Fighting has resumed in the country after nearly four years, which is controlled by carious armed groups. Earlier, Syria's government forces, with support from Russia and Iran, had suppressed the anti-Assad rebellion.

The entire province is under rebel control.

The Syria army has stated that its bombing is making it difficult for rebels to advance in Aleppo, and they are unable to strengthen their hold on any area. The army added that the rebels will soon be driven out of the city. However, rebel sources claim they have also captured the city of Maarat al-Numan in Idlib province from government forces. This has brought the entire province under rebel control. 

If the rebel claim is true, it would be a significant blow to President Assad. Meanwhile, Russia has assured Assad that it will send additional military support to Syria within 72 hours to contain the rebels. Assad's ally, Iran has blamed the recent rebel attacks on the United States and Israel.