Syrian opposition fighters have pushed back government forces around Aleppo in a surprise offensive, rapidly expanded the territory under their control in northwestern Syria. On Wednesday, they battled pro-government forces on the outskirts of Hama.

Assad’s favor after a Russian blitzkrieg on Aleppo helped him regain control over the country’s second biggest city.

Syrian rebels battled government forces and allied militia on Wednesday in villages north and east of Hama, a major city whose capture would pile pressure on President Bashar al-Assad.

The rebels have set their sights on an area where President Bashar al-Assad’s government has long maintained strength.

The Syrian government, backed by Russian planes and their allies among pro-Iranian militias, has thwarted some rebel advances in the northern countryside around the city of Hama, a Syria commander told dpa on Tuesday.