Syrian rebels, led by U.S. designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have taken control of most of Syria’s second-largest city, Aleppo, after launching a surprise attack against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime on Wednesday.

Apparently unprepared for the attack, Assad’s army retreated and offered little resistance as the Turkey-backed rebels took the majority of the city. The regime claimed the rebels were unable to establish “solid” positions, and that they are regrouping in preparation for a counteroffensive.

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This comes after the military reported dozens of casualties.

The rebels have also allegedly taken over the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center, which is run by the Syrian ministry of defense. The SSRC has been used to develop chemical weapons used to kill civilians during the nation’s Civil War.

Russia’s air force launched a strike against the rebels in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces on Friday.

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“Turkey has violated the Astana and Sochi agreements,” the Kremlin said, lambasting their Middle Eastern ally. “And the Syrian Government has the full right to restore security in Aleppo using all types of weaponry and methods, and by any means necessary.”

Kurdish forces have clashed with rebels in the city as well, as the Kurdish militia has reportedly expanded its control of some neighborhoods in Aleppo. The rebels are preparing to launch an offensive against Kurds controlling territory in the northern part of Syria’s second-largest city.

The new escalation comes in response to attacks from the Syrian government and Iranian militias. Rebel military commander Lt. Col. Hassan Abdulghany said that an “open war” has been declared on the Syrian people.

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“To push back their fire from our people, this operation is not a choice. It is an obligation to defend our people and their land,” he said. “It has become clear to everyone that the regime militias and their allies, including the Iranian mercenaries, have declared an open war on the Syrian people.”

With Russia devoting much of its resources into its war against Ukraine, and Iran devoting its own to its war against Israel, Syria’s biggest supporters are hamstrung to an extent. This leaves the regime more vulnerable to the rebel threat.