Preparing for battle in Syria

Rebels prepare to go into battle in Syria.

In Idlib Province they gather for an Iftar meal.

They will be heading into battle in Aleppo.

Aleppo is vital to President Bashar al Assad's survival. It has become the focal point in the fight to control the country -- a battle that has already cost at least 18,000 lives.

They gather for prayer.

They are making do with the weapons they have.

Some have come from far away.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNNAMED SYRIAN REBEL, SAYING:

"I am a physiotherapist and specialize in Chinese medicine. I am also a taekwondo trainer. I left my children in Europe and came back to defend my country and people."

Rebels seized parts of Aleppo city three weeks ago. Now they locked in fighting with government forces to hold their ground in the country's largest city.