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Map above by Islamic World News
Today, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), Hezbollah and other pro-government militia groups with Russian air support have liberated the city of Palmyra from ISIS.
Also there is an official confirmation that Russian military adviers and special forces are among the pro-government forces. It’s complicated to estimate their numbers at the front-line, howver, it’s clear that the participation of the Russian forces on the ground is the only reasonable reason of such rapid liberation of Palmyra.
Video from the city:
First footage from liberated #Palmyra inside the city, #ISIS is falling apart faster than house of cards. #Syria pic.twitter.com/O2pYaLsIMp
— Hamosh (@Hamosh84) March 27, 2016
Palmyra is a crucial logistical hub which will allow the Syria’s forces to increase its edge in freedom of movement while terrorists will be restricted the liberty of actions.
Palmyra is an important logistical hub. Map from IMR (25.03.2016)
Now, when Palmyra is liberated, the SAA and its allies will likely advance through the Palmyra-Sukhna-Deir Ezzor road in order to break ISIS siege from the Deir Ezzor. According to reports, ISIS has already started to set new a defense line at Al Sukhna to prevent the Syrian forces’ advances there.
However, before the advance on Deir Ezzor, the Syrian forces need to consolidate their positions in the ancient city and dismantle IEDs set by militants. An additional option is Palmyra’s airport. Depends on its condition, the airport could be used as an important supply line after some repair works.
Separately, the pro-govenment forces will likely conduct an operation to capture Qaryatayn and Al-Busairi crossroads.
