video transcript

Rebels fight back in northwest Syria as they launch a new military operation in Idlib province. Plumes of black smoke mark the horizon -- the aftermath of the governments air campaigns. Both sides are fighting for control of the strategic region, which borders Turkey. Rebels patrol the streets in tanks. They are throwing everything they have into the fight. 21 rebels were killed on Wednesday alone. The wounded are treated in makeshift hospitals. Supplies are short. A wounded rebel says he will journey to the end. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) UNNAMED SYRIAN REBEL, INJURED IN THE CONFLICT, SAYING: "I am now injured, but I am waiting patiently for my recovery so that I will return the the battle for freedom with my brothers in Islam. And we will keep going God willing, until we reach Bashar Al-Assad's palace." The 21 month-old revolt has already killed more than 44,000 people.