Syrian forces enter Palmyra: TV

Syrian armed forces have entered Palmyra after fierce clashes with Takfiri terrorists controlling the ancient city since last year, state media say.

According to the reports, on Thursday, Syrian state television said government troops, backed by army air power, drove back Daesh militants and reached the “heart” of the city.

Army forces have retaken control of Palmyra’s northern hotel district as well as the farms situated west of the city.

Reports said earlier in the day that army soldiers were on the edge of Palmyra, liberating the outskirts of the city, located in the western province of Homs.

Homs Govoner Talal Barazi told The Associated Press that Syrian forces were approaching the city from three direction.

“We might witness in the next 48 hours an overwhelming victory in Palmyra,” said Barazi, adding that “the army is advancing in a precise and organized way to protect what is possible of monuments and archaeological sites.”

SS