Part 2/7:
Tens of thousands of people are currently fleeing the northern city of Homs as rebel forces close in. The speed and efficacy with which these armed opposition groups have advanced throughout the country have caught many observers off guard, especially considering the earlier retreats they faced. Just five years ago, these rebels, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, were forced to step back, but they are now making a potent comeback, capturing significant urban areas in record time.