Syrian opposition forces have taken control of much of the country’s second largest city Aleppo, according to residents in the city and video verified by CNN. A rebel alliance launched a surprise attack this week,

With Russia and Iran devoting much of their resources to their own wars, the Syrian rebels took Aleppo with little resistance from the Assad regime.

Footage shows armed men at Aleppo's airport after rebels sweep into the city:: ReleasedReuters was able to confirm the location as Aleppo airport from the buildings, jet bridges and tarmac layout seen in the video which matched file and satellite imagery of the area.