Syrian armed opposition forces 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.

BEIRUT (Reuters) -Syrian rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad said on Friday they had reached the heart of the northern city of Aleppo, after a surprise sweep through government-held towns and nearly a decade after having been forced out of the city.

Syrian rebels launched a surprise offensive into western Aleppo, challenging years of government control and reigniting fears in a war-weary city.