What to know about sudden rebel gains in Syria’s 13-year war and why it matters

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The 13-year civil war in Syria has roared back into prominence with a surprise rebel offensive on one of Syria’s largest cities and ancient business hub. The rebel advances in Aleppo are among the largest in years in a war whose destabilizing effects have rippled far beyond Syria’s borders. The surge in fighting has raised the prospect of another violent front reopening in the Middle East, at a time when U.S.-backed Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both Iranian-allied groups.