This file photo taken on March 31, 2016 shows the Roman Theatre in the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria. (AFP PHOTO)
DAMASCUS, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian forces have become 24 kilometers from the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria, as part of an operation to retake the city that was captured for the second time by the Islamic State (IS) group last December, a monitor group reported on Saturday.
Intense battles are raging between the Syrian army and IS militants in the deserts of Palmyra in the eastern countryside of the central province of Homs, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The UK-based monitor group said the battles, backed by intense airstrikes on the IS positions, a fresh advance of the Syrian army and allied fighters in the deserts of the ancient oasis city.
It said the Syrian army had captured large swathes of the Bayarat area near Palmyra, adding that large casualties were reported for both sides.
The IS recaptured Palmyra last December after bringing in reinforcements. It also retook the gas and oil fields around.
The Syrian forces have so far succeeded in capturing the key Hayan gas field, the largest gas production facility in Syria. They are advancing toward the Jazel oil field, reaching the outskirts of it.
In its second attempt to invade the city, the IS blew up the facade of the historical amphitheater as well as other relics and monuments in Palmyra, in addition to other key temples destroyed in their first invasion.
Syrian Culture Minister Muhammad Ahmad recently said the bombing of the historical heritage in the ancient oasis city of Palmyra by the IS group is a "war crime."
"These monuments are not only the property of Syria, but the whole world," Ahmad said, urging the international community to shoulder its responsibility in protecting Syria's world heritages.
