DAMASCUS: The Islamic State group suffered a double setback in Syria today as army troops recaptured the ancient citadel in Palmyra and the Pentagon said the jihadists’ second-in-command was killed in a US raid.
The fresh gains in Palmyra by Syrian troops backed by allied militia and Russian warplanes came nearly a year after IS overran the UNESCO world heritage site, sparking global concern.
The regime advance came after US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin agreed to intensify the drive for a political settlement in Syria.
“Our armed forces, in coordination with the popular defence forces, have taken control of the ancient Palmyra citadel after inflicting many losses in the ranks of the terrorist group Daesh,” Syrian state television said, using another name for IS.
The army has also cut off the main Palmyra-Deir Ezzor highway leading to the Iraqi border, the report said citing a military source. (AGENCIES)
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