A new rebel assault on Syrian regime forces was closing in on the major city of Aleppo, according to rebels and a war monitor. Government warplanes struck rebel territory.

Syrian armed rebels have entered Aleppo just three days into their surprise offensive, marking the first time they have set foot in the country’s second largest city since government forces recaptured the city in 2016.

A rebel commander said a fall in Iran-backed manpower created an opening this week's assault. Iran's ally Hezbollah has suffered big losses to Israel.