Syrian Government Forces Recapture Historic Palmyra From ISIS

After several weeks of fighting, Syrian government troops backed by Russian airstrikes were able to gain control of the ancient city of Palmyra this weekend, driving out ISIS militants who took the city last May. Archaeologists were rushing to the site to assess the damage, after earlier evidence of looting and destruction by the jihadist group. Officials have reported that demining experts have removed dozens of bombs planted by ISIS across the historic city. Following the pattern of other recent recaptures from ISIS, such as Kobani in Syria and Sinjar in Iraq, the occupation and battle to re-take Palmyra wreaked havoc on the city, leaving buildings and historic sites in ruins.

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