Since rebel and jihadist groups took control of the Syrian city of Aleppo November 30, the Christian community has been living in fear. Traumatized by years of war, part of the community has fled while the rest waits,

Syrian rebels have swept through parts of the country at lightning pace, taking control of the the second-largest city, Aleppo. But who are they and what are their aims?

BEIRUT (Reuters) -Syrian rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad said on Friday they had reached the heart of the northern city of Aleppo, after a surprise sweep through government-held towns and nearly a decade after having been forced out of the city.

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

The advance on Aleppo followed a shock offensive launched on Wednesday, as fighters swept through villages and towns.

The Syrian government has been fighting back against opposition forces with airstrikes after they took over large swathes of land in a lighting advance which has caused embarrassment to President Bashar Al-Assad.

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,