Syrian opposition fighters have pushed back government forces around Aleppo in a surprise offensive, rapidly expanded the territory under their control in northwestern Syria. On Wednesday, they battled pro-government forces on the outskirts of Hama.

Syrian rebel forces arrived at the gates of the key city of Hama on Tuesday, as their fighting with the military sparked "a large wave of displacement", a war monitor said.

Syrian rebels battled government forces and allied militia on Wednesday in villages north and east of Hama, a major city whose capture would pile pressure on President Bashar al-Assad. The rebels have staged their biggest advance in years over the past week,