Syrian armed opposition forces have entered Aleppo just three days into their surprise offensive, marking the first time they have set foot in the country’s second-largest city since government forces recaptured the city in 2016.

Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) -Syrian authorities closed Aleppo airport as well as all roads leading into the city on Saturday, three military sources told Reuters, as rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad said they had reached the heart of Aleppo.

Syrian rebels launched a surprise offensive into western Aleppo, challenging years of government control and reigniting fears in a war-weary city.