Assad troops cling on in fight for city

Syria struggles to hold back terrorist uprising

- CHRIS HUGHES

SYRIAN troops are desperately trying to hold back thousands of rebel fighters who have overrun cities, towns and villages in the country's north-west.

Iran-backed militia from neighbouring Iraq and Russian air force sorties have joined the fight for the key city of Hama against the new terror force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

The explosion of violence which has led to fighters taking over the city of Aleppo - is the worst Syria has suffered in six years.

More than 10,000 families have fled the latest conflict in 13 years of war. In that time, half a million people have died.