This is Raqqa --- the largest Syrian city entirely under rebel control. Their hold on provincial capital saw a new challenge on Thursday (war planes buzzing over head firing rockets) in this video posted to a social media website. Reuters cannot independently confirm opposition reports that government forces were bombarding the city.

Confusion and panic prevailed on Raqqa's streets which were covered with debris and in some cases blood. Locals could be seen emerging from the rubble after a morning of rocket attacks on the city seen as a shining example of the opposition's determination to self-rule. Within weeks of capturing it, rebels had restored power and communication. On Thursday - it had the collapsed, fractured look of so many other Syrian cities weary after more than two years of war.