And with the armed forces of so many countries active in the country, there have been fears for some time that they could end up clashing, sparking a full-blown world war.

Russian, American, British, French and Turkish jets have all been carrying out airstrikes in various parts of the country for several years now.

There are also Russian troops on the ground supporting regime forces against the rebels – while some British and American soldiers have been deployed to fight ISIS in parts of the country.

Israeli jets launched 70 missiles at Iranian forces in Syria this week, killing 23
 

Missiles are seen flying over Syria in the latest round of airstrikes
 

Turkish jets shot down a Russian warplane near the border between the countries in 2015, before diplomats managed to de-escalate the situation.

And US strikes on pro-Assad forces reportedly killed dozens of Russians in February sparking fears of a Russian retaliation.

More recently, Syria has also become a flashpoint for regional rivals Israel and Iran.

Israeli jets this week blasted Iran's bases in the country with 70 missiles killing "at least 23 fighters" in revenge for rocket strikes on the Golan Heights.

Israeli tanks are seen on the border with Syria, ready for action

Iranians burn US flags in protest at Donald Trump pulling our of the nuclear deal

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