Rebels have launched a major offensive against the government in Syria, seizing cities in a lightning advance that has expanded the territory under their control.
The rebels captured the city of Hama on Thursday in a significant new blow to President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies.
Seizing Hama gives them control of the strategically located central city for the first time since a rebellion against Assad descended into civil war 13 years ago.
Syria’s key ally Russia is carrying out air strikes against the rebels led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) but it is unclear how – or if – Assad will be able to stop an advance that could threaten his government’s survival.