The historic Baron Hotel in Syria’s Aleppo is dilapidated and damaged by years of war but still standing and ready for a ...

as the fighting turned ancient streets into sniper alleys. During the four years of fighting before the government recaptured Aleppo following a devastating siege, the city was virtually emptied.

Members of the Syrian armed opposition forces stand in front of the Ancient Castle of Aleppo after seizing control of most parts of Syria's second largest city. Anas Alkharboutli/dpa Rebel forces ...

Surrounded by masked gunmen in flak jackets, men and boys chanted God is great as he walked through the heart of Syria's ...

Surrounded by masked gunmen in flak jackets, men and boys chanted “God is great” as he walked through the heart of Syria’s largest city. The sudden capture of Aleppo, also an ancient ...

Surrounded by masked gunmen in flak jackets, men and boys chanted “God is great” as he walked through the heart of Syria's largest city. The sudden capture of Aleppo, also an ancient business ...

In a statement, it said troops had been withdrawn from Aleppo temporarily "to prepare a counteroffensive". Footage verified by the BBC showed rebels had reached the city's ancient citadel.