Transcript of Syrian rebels extend shock offensive after capturing Aleppo | BBC News

Syria's ally, Russia, has carried out further airstrikes on parts of Syria in an attempt to halt the advance of anti-government rebels who've taken control of the country's second city, Aleppo. The Syrian army says it's preparing a counteroffensive against the Islamist forces who've taken the city in a surprise offensive. Just to warn you, this report from Barbara Plet Asha contains images of children in distress.

They're alive, rescued from the wreckage moments after the bomb struck. Footage posted by the Syrian Civil Defense Group, the White Helmets, shows the aftermath of an attack on the rebel stronghold of Idlib, southwest of Aleppo. The regime is fighting back. Thousands of people have been displaced, fleeing Aleppo and areas around Idlib. Their lives suddenly upended by this escalation in Syria. A civil war.

We are following the battle news, and God willing, the regime will fall. We count night and day to return as the kids are tired and shocked. We left and came here in our clothes, and nothing else.

The speedy capture of Aleppo took everyone by surprise, a devastating blow to the Asad regime. The insurgents continue their advance, but here, the city is coming to terms with a new normal. Some are fearful of the anti-government rebels, but so far, people continue with their daily lives. And for those driven out by previous battles, a chance to come home.

I returned to Aleppo after it was liberated, after it was driven out. I came back to experience this joy, to witness its greatness, its old neighborhoods cleaned up after being desecrated by theAssad regime and its collaborators.

It isn't clear if the insurgents can hold on to the territory captured, but they have exposed the weakness of Bachar al-Assad's rule. This is the first sighting of him since the fall of Aleppo, meeting Iran's foreign Minister, a crucial ally, along with Russia, both consumed by their own conflicts, but trying to bring the situation back under control. The front lines of Syria's civil war have been redrawn, and no one knows what comes next. Barbara Platt, usher, BBC News, Beirut.