Syrian opposition forces have taken control of much of the country’s second largest city Aleppo, according to video verified by CNN and residents in the city. A rebel alliance launched a surprise attack this week,

Syria state media say government troops are battling insurgents inside the country’s largest city Aleppo for the first time since 2016.

Syria’s antigovernment forces claimed a stunning advance into Aleppo, in a setback for the government in Damascus and its allies Russia and Iran.