Syrian Army units have taken back the ancient city of Palmyra from the Islamic State (ISIS). The units are now also trying to extend their control to include al-Qaryatain, to the southwest of Palmyra, and Sukhnah, to the northeast.
There are indications that the damage done to the ancient world heritage site which lies just outside Palmyra has been much less than feared. It may even have been limited to the destruction of two or three individual ruins—certainly important in their own right but just a small part of a huge complex that stretches over scores of hectares.
It is already becoming clear that the entire operation would not have been possible without considerable air support from Russia. It also gives the lie to President Vladimir Putin’s claim that the Russian Air Force has largely completed its operations.
