But it also fragmented Syria's territory, with several armed factions now jostling for control, and international players anxious to preserve their regional interests amid the chaos. Here's a map ...

The rebel groups and foreign powers contending to shape the country’s future.

Over the past four years, Syrian government forces and Russians have repeatedly bombed northwest regime-held areas, killing hundreds. The map below shows the territorial control of various groups ...

Map: Where is Syria and how are its neighbours involved? Syria, with a population of about 22 million people, is located on the east coast of the Mediterranean sea. It borders Turkey to the north ...