Syrian forces enter Islamic State-held Palmyra; intense clashes with ISIS

The fall of Palmyra to IS militants last year had raised concerns world over, and the destruction the extremists subsequently embarked upon sent shock waves through archaeological circles and beyond.

Soldiers march in a line at where the Syrian military media said is Palmyra, in this still image taken from a Syrian military media video uploaded on March 23, 2016, as Syrian government forces push their way into Palmyra while the army attempts to recapture the historic city from Islamic State.

Soldiers march in a line at where the Syrian military media said is Palmyra, in this still image taken from a Syrian military media video uploaded on March 23, 2016, as Syrian government forces push their way into Palmyra while the army attempts to recapture the historic city from Islamic State.

Backed by Russian airstrikes, Syrian government forces today pushed into the ancient town of Palmyra that has been held by the Islamic State group since May, state TV reported, as an Iraqi military spokesman announced the start of a long-awaited military operation to recapture the northern city of Mosul from IS militants.

The advance on Palmyra, a UNESCO world heritage site, came after the troops managed this week to capture several hills and high ground around the town, famed for its priceless archaeological site and Roman ruins. Syrian troops have been on the offensive for days in an attempt to capture the town.

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Source:Indianexpress