- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

How Russian Mi-28 Gunships Add to Anti-Daesh Fight Near Palmyra (VIDEO)

© Sputnik / Michael Alaeddin / Go to the mediabankRussia's Mi-28 helicopter flies over the environs of Ancient Palmyra in Homs Governorate, Syria. File photo
Russia's Mi-28 helicopter flies over the environs of Ancient Palmyra in Homs Governorate, Syria. File photo - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Russian attack helicopters continue to support the Syrian Army's drive to wipe out Daesh; gunships such as the Mi-28 added significantly to driving the terrorists out of the Syrian city of Palmyra in early March.

A Syrian national flag flutters as the ruins of the historic city of Palmyra are seen in the background, in Homs Governorate, Syria April 1, 2016. - Sputnik International
With Peace Restored in Post-Daesh Palmyra, What’s Next for the Syrian Army?
In an interview with Sputnik, one of the Syrian Army's field commanders touted the Russian combat helicopters' contribution to the army's effort to obliterate Daesh (ISIS/ISIL) terrorists, especially in and near the ancient city of Palmyra, which was recaptured by the government forces earlier this month.

According to him, "the Syrian troops continue their offensive on terrorist positions on the outskirts of Palmyra" and that the army established full control of the key Mazar Mountain range about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) east of Palmyra, restoring logistical warehouses.

"The Russian helicopters were of great help [to the Syrian Army's offensive]. Thanks to the copters' support, dozens of terrorists were killed," he said, adding that several of the militant Islamists' tanks and armored vehicles had been destroyed.

He also said that the Syrian Army is conducting permanent operations in the desert areas near Palmyra, including al-Suhna and Arwak.

The commander noted that Daesh was engaged in active hostilities in these areas, which is why he said "the army command has to thoroughly work out future operations."

The video shows a Russian Mi-28 Night Hunter helicopter launching missiles at terrorist positions about nine kilometers from Palmyra.

Last year, Russian Ka-52 Alligator helicopters were captured on video in Syria striking Islamist militant targets with rockets.

Daesh first captured Palmyra in May 2015. In the ten months that followed, the terrorist group, notorious for destroying pre-Islamic cultural heritage sites, leveled the Temple of Bel, the Temple of Baalshamin, the Monumental Arch and several tomb towers.

The Syrian Arab Army, assisted by Russian warplanes and the allies of Damascus, took Palmyra under control on March 27, 2016, but lost it on December 11.

A Syrian national flag flutters as the ruins of the historic city of Palmyra are seen in the background, in Homs Governorate, Syria April 1, 2016. - Sputnik International
After Daesh: Rebuilding of Palmyra’s Infrastructure to Take Up to Two Months
Daesh then destroyed a tetrapylon and part of a Roman theater in the ancient city, using it to carry out mass executions. Damascus-led forces retook Palmyra on March 2.

On Thursday, Syrian television reported that government troops had pushed out the last Daesh jihadists from Jabal Mazar, a key mountain range east of Palmyra.

The troops killed dozens of Daesh terrorists and seized a fleet of vehicles, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA.

Never miss a story again — sign up to our Telegram channel and we'll keep you up to speed!

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала