DAMASCUS, Syria – The Syrian army said that its troops regained control of Palmyra from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant on Thursday, a day after they had entered the ancient city.
"After a series of successful operations, backed by Syrian and Russian air support, our forces and their allies regained Palmyra and the areas on its outskirts," the army added.
The army said that its experts were clearing mines and booby traps that ISIL had left behind in the city. Russia, the main military backer of Syrian President Bashar Assad, also confirmed the government forces' recapture of Palmyra.
Last December, ISIL retook control of Palmyra, more than eight months after losing the city to government forces. The terrorist group had originally seized Palmyra in May 2015, wreaking havoc on the city's famed monuments.
DPA
