Rebels in northern Syria are exploiting the Assad regime's weakness.

Assad’s regime seemingly came out of nowhere, and as Aleppo fell to Turkish-backed rebels in a matter of days, the Syrian president reportedly flew to Moscow.

At least 372 people have been killed since rebels launched a surprise offensive on Wednesday, according to observers.

STORY: Video on social media purports to show Syrian rebels standing triumphantly atop tanks abandoned by government forces on the outskirts of Aleppo.Their lightning offensive in recent days has threatened territory previously held by the government of President Bashar Assad.

The Syrian defence ministry later said the rebel attack led to the death of dozens of soldiers. The ministry claimed that the rebel forces “were unable to establish solid positions” but soon it became clear Syrian forces had ceded control over the city with little resistance.