Syrian rebel fighters began preparations to seize Aleppo a year ago but the operation was delayed by war in Gaza and ultimately launched last week when a ceasefire took hold in Lebanon, the head of Syria's main opposition abroad told Reuters.

The Syrian government has been fighting back against opposition forces with airstrikes after they took over large swathes of land in a lighting advance which has caused embarrassment to President Bashar Al-Assad.

The rebels have made stunning gains against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, with Russia, Iran and Hezbollah distracted by other conflicts.

The Syrian military has rushed in reinforcements to push back insurgents from advancing farther into the northern Hama countryside after they seized Aleppo in a surprise offensive

Syria's civil war has exploded back into life after Islamist rebels launched a lightning offensive on the northern city of Aleppo.