Syrian and Russian jets are stepping up strikes on opposition forces in northern Syria in retaliation for the sudden offensive that has cost the autocratic regime control of the country’s second largest city,

Opposition fighters have seized control of most of Syria's second-largest city Aleppo after launching a surprise offensive against government forces, a war monitor reported on Saturday, as an airstrike reportedly killed 16 people and wounded 20.

Multiple casualties reported in aftermath of unidentified airstrike on Aleppo after it was captured by anti-regime armed groups - Anadolu Ajansı

A suspected Russian airstrike killed at least 16 people in Aleppo, northern Syria on Saturday, amid ongoing clashes between regime forces and rebels, a war monitor reported.

At least 12 people were killed and 23 others wounded when warplanes belonging to Russia and regime forces targeted Aleppo University Hospital in Aleppo city center in Syria. According to information obtained from local sources, 12 people, including two journalists, were killed and 23 people were wounded in the attack by SU-24 type Russian aircraft.

Syrian government warplanes struck near and inside Aleppo in northwest Syria on Monday, state media and rescue workers said, as President Bashar al-Assad’s government moved to repel rebels who took control of the city in a recent lightning offensive.

Thousands of Syrian insurgents took over most of Aleppo on Saturday, establishing positions in the country's largest city and controlling its airport before expanding their shock offensive to a nearby province.

Syria and Russia are stepping up their retaliatory strikes on forces in northern Syria after they lost control of the country’s second-largest city.

Syrian rebels drove military vehicles around Aleppo province as clashes with Syrian government forces escalated. Fighting in northwestern Syria over the past three days has claimed the lives of 27 civilians,