Russian bombardment ‘forces Islamic State out of Palmyra’

Russian airstrikes have forced Islamic State fighters from the centre of the Unesco world heritage city of Palmyra in Syria, hours after they had attempted to retake it.

The Russian attack forced the militants to retreat to the outskirts, a local monitoring group said. The Russian defence ministry said the strikes had killed more than 300 Isis fighters and destroyed 11 tanks and vehicles.

The Syrian army also sent reinforcements to the city, reportedly diverting troops from Aleppo.

Isis held Palmyra from May 2015 until it was forced out in March this year. But it started a surprise advance on Thursday and entered the city on Saturday.

 

Read More: Russian bombardment ‘forces Islamic State out of Palmyra’ | World news | The Guardian