Rebel forces claim Aleppo: Strategic timing of Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

Rebel forces have taken control of large parts of Aleppo, Syria's second biggest city, after launching a surprise attack since Wednesday. The lightening assault led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions was years in the making, FRANCE 24’s Wassim Nasr said in an analysis, adding that the rebel forces used drones and armoured vehicles that they have developed themselves in the attack. The timing of the operation was also strategic, Nasr said, adding that HTS has seized the opportunity provided by the current ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as well as a weakened Iran.