The Syrian government forces General Command said that the liberation of the ancient city of Palmyra in the Homs province shows that the "army and its friends" are the only force capable to fight and eradicate terrorism, according to a statement aired on local television.
From Palmyra to Deir ezzor.🇸🇾❤️Congratulations Syria. Syrian Arab Army Victory for the homeland🇸🇾❤️🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/hAwsKYy7Ci
— أمل سوريا (@Hope_Zahra) 27 марта 2016 г.
The Syrian army has restored "security of stability" in Palmyra with Russian and Syrian air support, according to the statement. The recapture of Palmyra deals a heavy blow to Daesh and marks the beginning of the terrorist group's collapse, the Syrian military said.
"After a series of large-scale operations of our units in the direction of the eastern part of the province of Homs, with the support of the Syrian and Russian aircraft we have successfully completed the mission and restored security and stability in the city of Palmyra, as well as full control over the surrounding heights", according to the army's statement cited by SANA news agency.
Earlier on Sunday, it was reported that the Syrian army and popular defense forces, supported by Russian warplanes, have successfully ended the operation to liberate Palmyra from Daesh terrorists.
The Syrian army’s offensive on the city of Palmyra to recapture it from Daesh terrorists began on Thursday. On Friday, the units of the Syrian army and patriotic militia retook the historic Palmyra Castle from Daesh terrorists.
Palmyra, located 210 kilometers away from Damascus, is considered key for advancing to the Daesh stronghold of Raqqa in eastern Syria. The town of Palmyra and its historic ruins have been under Daesh control since May 2015. The jihadist group, which is outlawed in many countries, including Russia and the United States, has since destroyed part of the historic sites, which are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
