Islamist groups fighting against President Bashar al-Assad's government forces have launched a surprise attack in northwestern Syria; this is their first major operation since 2020, reports Bild.

Rebels have captured at least 25 villages previously controlled by Assad's forces.

The rebels have come 10 km closer to Aleppo city.

Also, they are threatening to cut off the M5 highway, which leads south to Hama, Homs, and Damascus.

Fighting has resumed also near Saraqib city in the Idlib Governorate.

The rebels are led by the radical group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which split from Al Qaeda in 2017.

There are reports that Russian mercenaries from former Wagner paramilitary group are among the casualties of the current attack by pro-Turkish Islamists.