Syrian rebels take control of most of Aleppo city

Syrian opposition forces have taken control of much of the country’s second largest city Aleppo after a lightening advance that killed dozens of government soldiers in a major challenge to President Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian opposition forces have taken control of much of the country’s second largest city Aleppo after a lightning advance that killed dozens of government soldiers in a major challenge to President Bashar al-Assad. A rebel alliance launched a surprise attack this week, sweeping eastward through villages outside the city and reigniting a conflict that had been largely static for years. It is the first time Syrian rebels have set foot in Aleppo since government forces regained control during the civil war in 2016. By Saturday morning, rebel fighters had taken control of large swathes of the city, according to footage geolocated by CNN. Rebel fighters have been seen at key locations, with one video showing armed men waving an opposition flag and yelling “God is great” in Arabic at a central square. Another clip shows rebels at the city’s citadel, which is also in central Aleppo. At least one man in the clip is armed, as he says: “We are the first to arrive and the first to conquer.” The rebels also claim the city’s airport. CNN is unable to verify this.