Syrian and Russian jets are stepping up strikes on opposition forces in northern Syria in retaliation for the sudden offensive that has cost the regime control of the country’s second largest city, Aleppo.

Opposition fighters have seized control of most of Syria's second-largest city Aleppo after launching a surprise offensive against government forces, a war monitor reported on Saturday, as an airstrike reportedly killed 16 people and wounded 20.

A Russian airstrike targeting a suspected terrorist hideout may have killed Abu Mohammad al-Julani, leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), following a surprise offensive by anti-government militants in Aleppo,

Rebels in Syria took control of the Nayrab Military Airport in Aleppo, Al Jazeera reported, citing opposition officials on December 2.Footage from local news outlet Shaam Network shows abandoned military planes and a helicopter at the base.

Syrian and Russian jets have launched fresh airstrikes against rebel-held positions in Syria’s second-largest city of Aleppo.

The sudden removal of General Sergei Kisel, who had been in charge of Russian forces in Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Kisel following a series of setbacks, including mounting rebel gains and harsh criticism from Russian military bloggers.