Russia's Support in Palmyra Akin to WWII Victory - Syrian Opposition

Russia's assistance in the liberation of Syria's ancient city of Palmyra repeats the events of World War II, when Moscow has defeated fascism, a member of the Syrian opposition delegation to the Geneva peace talks formed after meetings in Moscow and Cairo said Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Syrian army confirmed Sunday that it had liberated the historic city of Palmyra from Daesh terrorist group with support of national aviation and Russian Aerospace Forces.

"The liberation of Palmyra is very important event. All the world appreciates Syrians' efforts that have struck with Russia's support in Palmyra…While assisting in liberation of Palmyra, Russia has repeated the events of World War II, freeing the world from Hitlerism and fascism," Qadri Jamil told reporters.

He added that the victory of the Syrians and Russians had significantly undermined the positions of Daesh in Syria.

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 terrorist group has since destroyed part of the historic sites, which are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.