Russian- backed troops push toward Palmyra
BEIRUT — Russian warplanes on Friday flew in support of Syrian government troops in an offensive to recapture the historic town of Palmyra from the hands of the Islamic State group, which has damaged many of the town’s worldfamous archaeological sites.
Activists who monitor the Syrian conflict reported intense air strikes in Palmyra and its suburbs. In Moscow, a Russian Defense Ministry official confirmed his country’s warplanes in Syria were flying in support of the Syrian offensive to try to retake Palmyra.
Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi said Russian aircraft based in Syria were conducting 20 to 25 sorties a day in support of the Palmyra offensive, even though Russia this week drew down its military presence in Syria.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial pullout of Russian aircraft and forces this week, in support of the Geneva peace talks that are currently under way in Switzerland between representatives of the Syrian government and the Western- backed opposition.
Those U. N.- brokered talks, aimed at finding a way to resolve the fiveyear civil war, entered their fifth day on Friday.
If the Syrian army and its allies capture the historic town in the central province of Homs, it will be a major victory against Islamic State militants in Syria.
Warplanes conducted more than a dozen air strikes since Friday morning, according to two activist groups, the Britain- based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Local Coordination Committees.
The Observatory said troops were slowly advancing toward Palmyra, adding that both sides are bringing in reinforcements. It said there were casualties on both sides but did not give any figures.
Syrian troops and their allies have been on the offensive in the area since last week and on Tuesday captured “Hill 900,” which is the highest point near Palmyra and overlooks the town.
Palmyra, home to famed Roman ruins, has been under the firm control of Islamic State since the extremists captured it in May last year.
In October, the Associated Press obtained a video that showed the main structure of 2,000year- old iconic Arch of Triumph in Palmyra has been destroyed. Activists have said that Islamic State extremists blew up the arch.
Islamic State also destroyed the Temple of Bel and the smaller Baalshamin temple last August. The Islamic State group considers such relics promote idolatry.
On Thursday, Putin said Moscow will keep enough forces in Syria to continue the fight against the Islamic State, the al Qaeda- linked Al Nusra Front and other extremist organizations.
The Russian campaign has helped turn the tide of war and allowed Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces to make significant advances ahead of peace talks.