Islamic State driven out of historic town in major victory for Syrian forces

Syrian forces have claimed a major victory against Islamic State after forcing it out of the historic town of Palmyra. They recaptured the town, home to a 2,000-year-old world heritage site, from the militant forces amid fierce fighting on Friday. The Syrian troops were supported by airstrikes from Russian planes, even though Moscow has pulled most of its forces out of the country. “Our armed forces, in coordination with the popular defence forces, have taken control of the ancient Palmyra citadel after inflicting many losses in the ranks of the terrorist group Daesh,” a military source said.

The clashes - which are ongoing - are fierce

Syrian military source

The recapture of the town is a major symbolic victory for Syrian president Bashar al Assad after it was captured by IS more than year ago. Only 15,000 of the original 70,000 residents remain and the historic temples have been badly damaged. Friday’s advance began with the capture of several hills around the town. A Syrian military source said the army entered Palmyra from the north-west after taking control of part of the Valley of the Tombs.

I am so happy that the liberation is imminent … before the total destruction of the ancient city.

Syria’s antiquities chief Maamoun Abdelkarim

palmyra