The rebel offensive was led by a jihadist militia, Jabhat al-Nusra that announced last month it is cutting ties with al-Qaida.

The rebranded Jabhat Fateh al-Sham has aimed to expand its influence over other rebel armed groups. Its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani, said in an audio message Friday the success of the then unfolding rebel offensive in Syria’s second largest city is due in large part to “the coalescence and unity of the factions against the enemy.”