Anti-government forces in Syria have reportedly taken control of much of Aleppo, including the government centers. Aleppo is the second largest city in the country.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says some rebel forces launched a major attack on the government-held city on Wednesday.

The monitoring group says more than 310 people, including civilians, have been killed since then.
.
The Syrian military said on Saturday that its forces have redeployed and are preparing to conduct a counterattack.

Russia reportedly carried out airstrikes on the opposition's positions in response to the large-scale offensive. Reports also say Moscow has promised to give Damascus additional military aid.

Anti-government demonstrations broke out across Syria in 2011. They were part of the Arab Spring pro-democracy movement.

President Bashar al-Assad's government cracked down on the rallies, and that prompted the civil war.

Aleppo was the main stronghold of the anti-government forces. But the government, backed by Russia, regained full control of the city in 2016.