Rebel Fighters Claim Victory in Idlib

A coalition of armed and Islamist groups, including Al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, seized large parts of the government-held city of Idlib on March 28, effectively taking control of the province. Activists reported that rebel groups claimed the city after an intense offensive that lasted several days. Footage showing a rebel fighter singing a victory song shows the Idlib City Council and the Idlib Municipality buildings in the background.

Al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra and rebel group Jaish al-Fateh also published footage and images showing the takeover. Idlib is the second province to be taken from the Syrian government. Islamic State militants captured the province of Al Raqqa and declared it the capital of their ‘caliphate’ in August 2014. Credit: YouTube/ AbdulMonaem Zain Al Din