Palmyra offensive (March 2016)
Palmyra offensive (March 2016) | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of the Syrian Civil War and the Russian military intervention in Syria | |||||||
![]() Map showing areas captured by 26 March | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
![]() (Operations chief commander) ![]() (Syrian Marines commander) ![]() (Panther Forces Brigade commander) ![]() (Cheetah Forces commander)[16] ![]() (Desert Commandos commander) ![]() (Military Security Shield Forces commander) ![]() (Russian forces commander) ![]() (Russian operations commander) ![]() (Spetsnaz commander) | ![]() (Emir of Palmyra) ![]() (Emir of Palmyra) | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
| ![]() | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
6,000+[27] | ![]() | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() 450 killed (per Syrian Army)[37] 500+ killed (per Russia; 20–27 March)[38] |
The Palmyra offensive (March 2016) was a military operation of the Syrian Arab Army, supported by Russian airstrikes,[39] to recapture from the Islamic State the city of Tadmur (near the ruins of the ancient city of Palmyra), which was strategically important for both forces due to its position in central Syria.[40] The city was fully recaptured on 27 March.
Offensive
[edit]Battle for the hills
[edit]First week
[edit]On 9 March 2016, heavy Russian airstrikes started hitting the Palmyra area, with 32 ISIL fighters reported killed by the next day.[41] As of 14 March, 80 airstrikes and 200 rockets and artillery shells had hit the city.[42] The Syrian Arab Army's Central Command stated their next aim after eventually capturing Palmyra would be Deir ez-Zor.[43]
Major ground fighting started on 12 March, when the Syrian Army attacked the village of Al-Dawah, west of Palmyra,[23] while the next day they assaulted Jabal Qassoun mountain, where Palmyra Castle is located.[44] In all, the military's attack was directed against three flanks of Palmyra in an attempt to surround the city.[45] In preparation for the offensive, ISIL built strong defenses in the city and trenches around it.[46]
On 14 March, the military captured Hill 800 and Hill 853, which are part of Jabal Hayyan mountain, southwest of Palmyra,[3][47] while the ISIL emir of the city, Khalil Mohameed, was reportedly killed when a rocket hit his headquarters.[22]
On 15 March, government forces fully secured Jabal Hayyan mountain,[48] after capturing Hill 900.[46] The advance brought the military to within four kilometers west and south of Palmyra.[49] Elsewhere, fighting continued in Al-Dawah, while Army units were also attempting to advance towards the Brigade 550 Base.[23] Meanwhile, Russian airstrikes on the road between Palmyra and Al-Sukhnah left 26 people dead.[50]
Second week
[edit]On 17 March, ISIL took advantage of a sandstorm and launched a counter-attack[46] against Point 939 and the Jabal Hayyan mountain, though the Army repelled the assault.[2] Later that day, Syrian Marines from the Latakia Governorate and Hezbollah fighters were sent as reinforcements to Palmyra to strengthen the government forces for the assault on the city.[4] ISIL also sent reinforcements.[46] The same day, a Russian Special Operations Forces operative, Sen. Lt. Alexander Prokhorenko, responsible for performing target acquisition for designated Russian airstrikes was killed when he ordered an airstrike on himself after being surrounded by ISIL fighters. Prokhorenko's death garnered international media attention and was hailed as a hero.[20]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7e/Palmyra_Cittadel_-_panoramio.jpg/250px-Palmyra_Cittadel_-_panoramio.jpg)
The following day, the SAA seized the Tal Mattar hilltop, close to the Palmyra Castle,[51] after which they continued to advance, capturing Tal Areen hill.[52] Concurrently with the Syrian Army ground offensive, Russia was conducting 20–25 airstrikes daily on ISIL positions in and around Palmyra. ISIL claimed to have killed six Syrian soldiers, five Russian soldiers and several Hezbollah fighters in the defense of Qasr al-Halabat west of Palmyra. An ISIL website released a video showing the body of a man in military gear, described as a Russian military advisor, with equipment including a customised AK-74M rifle, a helmet, a compass and a pack of bandages with instructions written in Russian.[citation needed] The body, however, was possibly one of the few ethnic-Russian PMCs from the "Wagner Group" killed or reported missing around the Palmyra suburbs. On 17 March, PMC Vadim Tumakov was confirmed killed by fighting in Palmyra.[32][31]
On 20 March, the SAA captured two hills overlooking the Ithriyah–Palmyra highway, cutting off of one of ISIL's main supply routes to the city.[53] The next day, the SAA made more advances,[54] as they assaulted the Jabal Al-Tar hilltop.[55] 26 Syrian Marines, including their commander Ali Rahmoun, were killed during the day's clashes.[13] 17 of the Marines died as a result of a friendly fire accident when they were hit with a Russian missile. Another 26 were wounded.[14] Meanwhile, IRGC advisors and Liwa Fatemiyoun units arrived as another wave of pro-government reinforcements.[1]
On 21 March, a large convoy of reinforcements from the NDF units of Fouj Al-Joulan and Liwaa Suqour Al-Quneitra arrived at the western countryside of Palmyra, raising the number of pro-government forces in the area to more than 6,000.[27] The next evening, government advances continued with the support of 50 airstrikes[56] and the Army seized the Palmyra Triangle road junction.[57][58][59] Subsequently, around 120 explosives were cleared from the Triangle area.[60]
As of 23 March, the military was within one or two kilometers of the city on the south side and five kilometers on the west side,[60][61] as they reached the outskirts of Palmyra,[62] after seizing the al-Hayal mountain range,[63] including its hills that overlook the town.[64] A soldier stated on state TV that they expected to capture the city within hours.[60]
Close-quarters fighting
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Liberation_of_Palmyra_by_RSII_coalition_%284%29.jpg/250px-Liberation_of_Palmyra_by_RSII_coalition_%284%29.jpg)
The following day, the Army was one kilometer from the town and facing stiff resistance as it tried to penetrate the city limits.[65] They attacked the strategic Semiramis Hotel, on the outskirts of Palmyra, approaching to within 70 meters of the hotel.[66] Fighting also reached the edge of the southwestern al-Gharf neighbourhood. As the clashes raged, ISIL urged civilians through loudspeakers to leave the city.[67] In the afternoon, government forces managed to fully capture the Semiramis Hotel,[68] as well as Muhtar Mount, Al-Zera'a roundabout, Al-Tar Mountain, the Tombs Valley and the Mozeh Palace,[69][70] a luxury villa which ISIL used as a headquarters[citation needed] and previously belonged to the House of Thani (the Qatari Royal family).[citation needed] In the evening, the Army entered the first houses in the southwestern part of Palmyra.[70]
On the morning of 25 March, pro-government forces took control of several hilltops on the western and northwestern side of Palmyra, including near Palmyra Castle.[71] Later that day, the castle itself was captured,[72][73][74] as well as reportedly the Brigade 550 Base.[75] Government forces were also reported to have reached the Palmyra Prison, after seizing most of the Palmyra Orchards[76] and the city's airbase.[77] Fighting also raged at the archaeological sites where government force's progress was slow due to the lack of artillery support for the sake of protecting the ruins.[78] At this point, ISIL forces started withdrawing their equipment from Palmyra and planting land mines.[72]
On 26 March, state TV reported the military captured three neighborhoods inside Palmyra,[79] including the northern district of Al-Amiriya, as well as the neighborhoods of Mutaqa'ideen and Al-Jami'a.[80] The opposition activist group the SOHR confirmed the capture of Al-Amiriya,[81] but stated the other two neighborhoods were still being contested, with ISIL conducting counter-attacks with car-bombs against advancing government forces.[82] Most apartment blocks in the city's residential area were damaged by the fighting and several had completely collapsed.[83] Later, SOHR confirmed the capture of Mutaqa'ideen and Al-Jami'a and reported government troops secured 35% of the city, while ISIL fighters were retreating towards the Al-Sukhnah area, east of Palmyra.[84][85][86]
On the dawn of 27 March, the city was fully captured by the SAA after ISIL defenses collapsed.[9][11] Sporadic fighting continued in the eastern outskirts of Palmyra between government forces and ISIL fighters who refused to retreat,[87] concentrated at the prison and the airbase.[88] However, most of ISIL's forces had withdrawn to the east.[89] Later in the day, the prison and the airbase were captured as the remaining 30 ISIL militants fought to the death.[90]
Aftermath
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Palmyra_concert_-_panoramio.jpg/250px-Palmyra_concert_-_panoramio.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Liberation_of_Palmyra_by_RSII_coalition_%281%29.jpg/220px-Liberation_of_Palmyra_by_RSII_coalition_%281%29.jpg)
After the liberation of the city, a Russian military convoy, including armored personnel carriers, arrived to help in the process of clearing Palmyra of explosives left by retreating ISIL forces. Meanwhile, a mass grave containing the bodies of 24 civilians and 18 soldiers was discovered. In all, at least 280 people are believed to had been executed by ISIL during its control of the town.[citation needed] Overall, between 29 March and 30 April, Russian and Syrian explosive-disposal teams removed 4,000 explosive devices in the ruins and another 1,000 in the town.[91]
On 5 May, the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra and Sergei Roldugin performed at the Roman amphitheatre of Palmyra in a highly publicized event.[92]
In another offensive military operation in December 2016, ISIL reconquered Palmyra and its surroundings,[93] with the Syrian government and its allies retaking it again in 2017.
Reactions
[edit]Egypt: The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt stated they "welcomed the liberation of the historic Syrian city of Palmyra" and said that Egypt "has realized the imminent danger that threatens the cultural heritage of the region in the light of attacks" by ISIL.[94]
Iran: Secretary of Iran's SNSC Ali Shamkhani congratulated Syria for the victory, adding that Iran's Armed Forces will continue to support the country's war against terrorist groups.[95]
Russia: President of Russia Vladimir Putin congratulated Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on regaining Palmyra and reassured him that Russia would continue to support the Syrian government in fighting terrorists.[96]
Syria: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told a French delegation in Damascus, "The liberation of the historic city of Tadmur (Palmyra) today is an important achievement and is evidence of the efficacy of the strategy adopted by the Syrian Army and its allies in the war on terrorism".[97]
United Nations: Ban Ki-moon hailed the liberation of Palmyra.[98]
- UNESCO welcomed the liberation of Palmyra from ISIL, who it said had been carrying out a campaign of "cultural cleansing" around the ancient city. According to UNESCO director-general Irina Bokova, as soon as security conditions allow, UNESCO was ready to launch a mission in Palmyra together with the Syrian authorities to evaluate damage and protect the "priceless heritage" of the city.[99]
United States: Mark Toner of the US State Department in his briefing, when answering questions about the fate of Palmyra on 24 March, a day before the major Syrian offensive, said: "I mean, broadly speaking, it's not a great choice, an either/or—but, which is worse, Daesh or the regime... we think Daesh is probably the greater evil in this case."[100]
Gallery
[edit]- The Palmyra Castle (background) during the battle
- A pro-government soldier overlooks Palmyra after the battle
- A Russian campaign medal "For the Liberation of Palmyra"
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Leith Fadel (21 March 2016). "Iranian special forces arrive in Palmyra to help liberate the city". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 2 April 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel (17 March 2016). "Syrian Army, Hezbollah overwhelm ISIS in west Palmyra: dozens killed". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 22 April 2019. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
- ^ a b c d Leith Fadel (14 March 2016). "Tiger Forces liberate Hill 800 in west Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 10 May 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Leith Fadel (17 March 2016). "Massive convoy of Syrian Army reinforcements leave Latakia for Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (26 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate Al-Amariyah in northern Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
- ^ Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (6 August 2016). "Liwa Sayf al-Mahdi: A Syrian Army Shi'i Militia". Retrieved 7 August 2016.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel (9 March 2016). "Syrian Forces, Hezbollah mobilize for the largest desert offensive against ISIS". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 October 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
- ^ Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (23 December 2015). "Quwat al-Jalil: A Pro-Assad Palestinian Syrian Militia". Syria Comment. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
- ^ a b "Syrian forces retake historic city of Palmyra from Islamic State". chicagotribune.com. Associated Press. 27 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ khaled (27 March 2016). "بعد معارك استمرت لـ 3 أسابيع قوات النظام تستعيد السيطرة على كامل مدينة تدمر وخسائر بشرية فادحة في صفوف تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية"". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel (27 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Armed Forces liberate Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ Chris Tomson (7 March 2016). "Prominent Syrian General deployed to ISIS-held Palmyra as Syrian Army prepares offensive". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 4 July 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ a b jack (21 March 2016). "IS kills 26 seals and their commander in Tadmur city". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel (21 March 2016). "Friendly-fire in Palmyra kills 17 Syrian Marines". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 20 September 2018. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel (18 April 2016). "Syrian Army cancels the Palmyra-Deir Ezzor offensive". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 January 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (19 October 2015). "Cheetah Forces Capture 30km of Territory from ISIS in East Aleppo: Kuweires Airport Within Sight". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 20 July 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ a b Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (30 August 2016). "Fawj Maghawir al-Badiya: A Military Intelligence Branch Militia". Syrian Comment. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
- ^ a b Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (3 September 2016). "Quwat Dir' Al-Amn Al-Askari: A Latakia Military Intelligence Militia". Syria Comment. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (22 July 2016). "Russia appoints new commander of military forces in Syria". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 5 August 2016.
- ^ a b Dearen, Lizzie (30 April 2016). "Body of Russian special forces officer who 'ordered air strike on himself' to kill Isis militants returned home". The Independent. Archived from the original on 3 May 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (18 March 2016). "Top ISIS emir in Palmyra killed by the Syrian Army". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel (14 March 2016). "Top ISIS emir in Palmyra killed by Syrian Army". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ a b c Leith Fadel (15 March 2016). "Syrian Army advances in Palmyra despite heavy casualties". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 11 January 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (26 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate Al-Amariyah in northern Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 11 January 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (5 March 2016). "Russian Air Force hammers ISIS' oil routes in east Homs as the Syrian Army advances on Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 November 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
- ^ Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (2 April 2017). "Quwat Muqatili al-Asha'ir: Tribal Auxiliary Forces of the Military Intelligence". Retrieved 31 August 2017.
- ^ a b c d Leith Fadel (22 March 2016). "More reinforcements pour into Palmyra as the Syrian Army prepares to storm the city". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 23 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ https://informnapalm.org/en/russian-marines-palmyra/ |date=19 Nov 2019
- ^ Reuters Editorial (24 March 2016). "Russia's special forces officer killed in Syria: Interfax". Reuters.
{{cite web}}
:|author=
has generic name (help) - ^ Huffington Post
- ^ a b "Fontanka Investigates Russian Mercenaries Dying For Putin In Syria And Ukraine". www.interpretermag.com. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
- ^ a b "В Сирии погиб еще один оренбуржец | Новости Оренбурга". www.orenday.ru. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
- ^ Sparks, John (10 August 2016). "Revealed: Russia's 'Secret Syria Mercenaries'". Sky News. Sky plc. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (28 March 2016). "Analysis: The Retaking of Palmyra from the Islamic State". Retrieved 27 September 2016.
- ^ a b c "Syrian forces pursue campaign against Islamic State after retaking Palmyra". townhall.com. Archived from the original on 5 April 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
- ^ US says Iran forces pulling back in Syria; others say no
- ^ Reem (27 March 2016). "The army takes full control of Palmyra city, hundreds of ISIS terrorists killed".
- ^ "The Latest: Russian Officer Killed Near Palmyra in Syria". AP. 24 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016 – via The New York Times.
Heavy Russian Airstrikes as Syrian Army Fights IS in Palmyra
The ancient city of Palmyra could be restored in 5 years - ^ "Isis 'losing control' of Palmyra as Syrian troops backed by Russian air strikes approach ancient city". Independent. 26 March 2016. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022.
- ^ "ISIS city of Palmyra under threat as government forces inch closer – Map update". 13 March 2016. Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "Syrian army aims for eastward advance with Palmyra attack". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ jack (14 March 2016). "300 airstrikes and shells target Tadmur city". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith. Syrian Army, Hezbollah plan to liberate Deir Ezzor after Palmyra Archived 19 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Al-Masdar News. 12 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (13 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army storms the Palmyra Castle". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (14 March 2016). "Syrian Armed Forces attempt to surround Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Syrian troops push toward Palmyra, with Russian support". The Japan Times. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (14 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army liberates Point 853 in western Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 19 April 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (15 March 2016). "Tiger Forces liberate Jabal Hayyal in west Palmyra, Map Update". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "Russian air strikes near Palmyra as Syrian troops advance: monitor". AFP. 15 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ Reuters Editorial (15 March 2016). "26 die as Russian jets back Syrian advance near Palmyra - monitor". Reuters India. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
{{cite web}}
:|author=
has generic name (help) - ^ Leith Fadel (18 March 2016). "Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate important hilltop near the Palmyra Castle". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (18 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate Tal Areen in western Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (20 March 2016). "Game over: Syrian Army, Hezbollah cutoff ISIL's main supply route to Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 April 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ jack (21 March 2016). "IS clashes with regime forces around al-Qaritin city". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (21 March 2016). "News alert: Syrian Army, Hezbollah storming Jabal Al-Tar in west Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ suliman (22 March 2016). "نحو 50 ضربة جوية ترافق تقدم قوات النظام في بادية تدمر". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (22 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate the Palmyra Triangle". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 April 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Zen Adra (22 March 2016). "Field report: Syrian Army controls new points outside Palmyra. Map Update". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Edward (23 March 2016). "Violent clashing and the regime forces advances and controls strategic sites in the vicinity of Palmyra and casualties in clashes in the vicinity of al-Qaryatayn". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ a b c "Syrian army expects to retake Palmyra 'within hours': TV". Reuters. 23 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ "Syria regime forces at entrance to Islamic State-held Palmyra". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ jack (23 March 2016). "Regime forces reach Tadmur city outskirts". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ "Syrian army recaptures strategic mountain from ISIS in ancient Palmyra - ARA News". ARA News. 24 March 2016. Archived from the original on 27 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ "Syrian army seizes hills overlooking ISIS-held town of Palmyra". Fox News. 23 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ "The Latest: Russian officer killed near Palmyra in Syria". The Washington Times. AP. 24 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (24 March 2016). "Syrian Army, Hezbollah storming Semiramis Hotel in west Palmyra: map update". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 7 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ "The Peninsula Qatar - IS tells civilians in Syria's Palmyra to flee: Monitor". Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Albert Aji and Sinan Salaheddin - AP (24 March 2016). "Syrian army enters IS-held Palmyra, Mosul operation begins". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 24 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Zen Adra (24 March 2016). "Field report: Palmyra battle heats up as Syrian Army makes fresh gains. Map Update". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 April 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ a b suliman (24 March 2016). "معارك عنيفة ومتواصلة تشهدها أطراف ومشارف مدينة تدمر بريف حمص الشرقي وقوات النظام تواصل محاولاتها استعادة السيطرة على المدينة". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان.
- ^ Leith Fadel (25 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate several hilltops overlooking Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
- ^ a b "Syrian Army Said to Be Closer to Retaking Palmyra". The New York Times. 26 March 2016.
- ^ Dominic Evans and Andrea Shalal (25 March 2016). "Islamic State under siege in Palmyra, militant leader killed". Reuters.
- ^ Zen Adra (25 March 2016). "Field Report: Syrian Army retakes Palmyra Castle. Map Update". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 March 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (25 March 2016). "ISIS in disarray as the Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate Brigade 550 in northern Palmyra". Al-Masdar News.
- ^ Leith Fadel (25 March 2016). "Syrian Army, Hezbollah officially enter Palmyra City". Al-Masdar News.
- ^ Leith Fadel (26 March 2016). "Battle for Palmyra enters critical stage as the Syrian Army advances inside the city". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
- ^ Los Angeles Times (25 March 2016). "The battle for Palmyra will reveal how much damage was done to Syria's priceless relics". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ "Backed by Russian airstrikes, Syria works to retake Palmyra". Christian Science Monitor. 26 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
{{cite journal}}
: Unknown parameter|agency=
ignored (help) - ^ Rasha milhem (26 March 2016). "The army establishes full control over several neighborhoods in Palmyra city and areas in Hama". Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ jack (26 March 2016). "Regime forces advance in Tadmur city". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ "Syrian forces battle Isis fighters in Palmyra". the Guardian. 26 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ Firstpost (28 March 2016). "Syria troops press advance after blow to Islamic State in Palmyra". Firstpost.
- ^ Dominic Evans (27 March 2016). "Syrian army, with Russian air support, advances inside Palmyra". Reuters UK. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ jack (26 March 2016). "Advances for Regime forces in Tadmur city as it force IS to pull back". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ "JUST IN: Palmyra 'recaptured' from ISIL, military source". euronews. 26 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ jack (27 March 2016). "IS pulls back into Tadmur outskirts". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ jack (27 March 2016). "Regime forces breaks into Tadmur prison". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ "Syrian army recaptures Palmyra from ISIS - Business Insider". Business Insider. 27 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ jack (27 March 2016). "Regime forces takes control on Tadmur prison and military airport". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ How 100 Syrians, 200 Russians and 11 dogs out-witted ISIS and saved Palmyra
- ^ "A Russian orchestra plays Bach and Prokofiev in the ruins of Palmyra". The Economist. 6 May 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
- ^ Angus McDowall (8 December 2016). "A Russian orchestra plays Bach and Prokofiev in the ruins of Palmyra". Reuters. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
- ^ "Egypt welcomes liberation of Palmyra from Daesh terrorist". State Information Services. 30 March 2016.
- ^ "Iran's SNSC Secretary Congratulates Syria on Palmyra Liberation". Tasnim News Agency. 28 March 2016.
- ^ Reuters Editorial (27 March 2016). "Russia's Putin congratulates Syria's Assad on regaining Palmyra". Reuters. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
{{cite web}}
:|author=
has generic name (help) - ^ "Assad hails Syrian regime's capture of Palmyra from Isis". The Guardian. 27 March 2016.
- ^ "Ban Ki-moon hails removal of IS from Syria's Palmyra". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 29 March 2016.
- ^ "IS video claims to show group still in control of Palmyra". Middle East Eye.
- ^ WOW: State Dept Rep - Syria's army should not liberate Palmyra from ISIS?. 24 March 2016 – via YouTube.
External links
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)