Syria’s long civil war has reclaimed global attention after insurgents seized most of its largest city and dozens of nearby towns and villages. The stunning advance on Aleppo by rebel forces came as several key players in the conflict have been distracted or weakened,

Syria's civil war has exploded back into life after Islamist rebels launched a lightning offensive on the northern city of Aleppo.

Rebel groups have launched the largest offensive in years against government forces, capturing the city of Aleppo.