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BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Syrian state TV has reported that the country's army has regained control of areas around the archaeological city in Palmyra.
Fighting over the ancient city of Palmyra ends its first week as the Syrian state news agency SANA announced on Sunday that the Syrian army gained control over several hills overlooking the city. This is a strategic location because it sits at a crossroads linking the cities of Homs and Damascus. The Syrian military says retaking the city improves its position in the fight against ISIL.
In recent months, ISIL has made frequent attacks on government-held areas. Locals tell us that the Syrian army has now established a steady supply line of food and medicine which helps cast away fears of an ISIL siege on the city. Palmyra is home to tens of thousands of people along and is a three-thousand-year-old city listed on the U-N world heritage sites.
(Source: Chinadaily.com)
