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Syrian army gains control of fortress near western entrance to Palmyra — media

The television channel Al-Manar reported that the militants’ resistance had been broken down and the enemy was retreating in panic
The fortress of Emir Fakhreddine REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki
The fortress of Emir Fakhreddine
© REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki

BEIRUT, March 1. /TASS/. The Syrian army has stormed the fortress of Emir Fakhreddine at the western entrance to Palmyra, the television channel Al-Manar has said.

Government forces are reported to have gained control of the headquarters of the Islamic State (terrorist group outlawed in Russia) on a hill in the southwestern suburb of the city.

Al-Manar said the militants’ resistance has been broken down and the enemy is retreating in panic.

Islamic State militants first seized Palmyra in May 2015. The Russian aerospace group-backed Syrian army retook the city at the end of March 2016. Russian sappers then helped clear the city and antique monuments of mines. Palmyra fell into the militants’ hands again last December.