Syrian rebels extend shock offensive after capturing Aleppo | BBC News

Rebel fighters in Syria have been pushing south after capturing the country’s second-biggest city Aleppo. They have occupied more towns near the city of Hama.

The surprise offensive marks the most significant fighting in Syria’s civil war in recent years. The rebels are led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as well as allied factions backed by Turkey. Syria’s defence ministry said it was reinforcing defensive lines in the region with troops, rocket launchers and heavy military hardware.

Russia, which backs Syria’s President Assad, has been carrying out air strikes on the rebels’ new positions, according to observers. It’s reported that 12 people were killed in a strike on a hospital in Aleppo, while a strike on the north-western city of Idlib is said to hae killed eight civilians and wounded more than 50.

Syria’s ally Iran also said it was offering support to President Assad and his armed forces.

Jane Hill presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Barbara Plett Usher.

Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog

For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news

#BBCNews