ISIS closes in on retaking Palmyra as Syrian troops focus on Aleppo
BEIRUT — Islamic State fighters appeared close to retaking Palmyra, Syria, on Saturday, just nine months after Syrian government forces drove them from the desert city, where they had terrorized residents and blown up irreplaceable ancient monuments.
Residents said Islamic State militants were battling soldiers in the city’s center after retaking outlying oil fields and nearly encircling the city over the past week as the government and its allies were focused on a pivotal battle in Aleppo, farther north.
Losing Palmyra for a second time would be a major symbolic and military blow for the Syrian government, which touted its reconquest of the city in March, after 10 months of Islamic State rule.
Russia, the government’s main ally, which had helped with air support and advisers, flew an orchestra to play a victory concert in Palmyra’s ancient amphitheater that month.
The Russians also established a small base in the city, but residents said all Russian troops had pulled out in recent days as the militants approached.
The setback in Palmyra comes as the government has been scoring its most important victories in years in Aleppo, once Syria’s largest city.
The army and allied militias there have retaken most of the eastern half of the city. East Aleppo has been held for four years by rebels opposed to President Bashar Assad.
Another battle, also unfolding on Saturday, may further complicate the Syrian government’s war strategy.
A rebel coalition backed by Turkey made advances against ISIS in the city of Al Bab in northern Aleppo province, an area that the Syrian government hoped to conquer from the group.