Syrian government troops were reportedly able to push Daesh forces away from the ancient city of Palmyra Sunday, officials told AFP.
Provincial governor Talal Barazi told AFP that the Syrian army recaptured northern parts of the modern town Tadmur, located outside the treasured UNESCO world heritage site.
“There was no damage to the ruins, but this does not mean we should not be afraid,” Syrian antiquities chief Mamoun Abdulkarim told AFP reporters Sunday.
Daesh militants seized the northern part of Tadmur Saturday, following intense fighting with government forces. The group began their operation Wednesday to seize the ancient archaeological site, killing dozens in the process, including nine children.
Clashes in Tadmur late Saturday left at least 47 Syrian soldiers and 29 Daesh militants dead.
Palmyra, considered a jewel of Syrian history, contains 1st and 2nd century temples amongst other timeless archeological treasures.
