Syrian army advances against Daesh near city of Homs
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In this photo released by Syria’s official SANA news agency, Syrian soldiers are seen on the outskirts of Palmyra, Syria, March 27, 2016. ©AP
The Syrian army soldiers have made new advances towards the town of al-Qaryatayn in the Central Province of Homs in their latest push against the Takfiri Daesh terrorists wreaking havoc in the Arab country.
An unidentified Syrian military source said that an army unit, backed by popular defense groups, established control over a rural farmland south of the key town, Syria's official SANA news agency reported on Tuesday.
The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said pro-government forces, supported by "intense" airstrikes provided by both Syrian and Russian warplanes, advanced towards Qaryatayn.
The Syrian troops also captured a series of strategic hilltops overlooking the town, the UK-based monitor group added.
Daesh had seized the strategic town in August 2015, kidnapping at least 230 people and razing its famed monastery of St. Elian.
The town lies on a key road connecting the ancient city of Palmyra to the Qalamoun region of Damascus.
The latest gains came two days after Syrian forces liberated Palmyra after some four weeks of fierce fighting with the Daesh terrorists in the ancient city.
ME
