Aleppo: Syrian rebels reject the idea of the Islamic State The proclamation of the caliphate by the jihadists of the Islamic State was rejected by the residents of Aleppo, including some members of the Free Syrian Army, who saw this act as a threat to the popular revolution. IS first appeared in Syria's war in late spring 2013. It has since taken control of Raqa in northern Syria, much of Deir Ezzor in the east, and parts of Aleppo province. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES