IS Advances on Ancient City of Palmyra

Islamic State militants were ousting Syrian forces from near the ancient city of Palmyra, Homs, according to various reports on May 14. Clashes between IS and regime forces reportedly took place near the 13th-century Palmyra castle on May 13, after the militant group seized a nearby tower. The Neolithic city, which dates back to the first century, is a gateway to various oil fields and routes to Damascus and to Deir Ezzor.

Footage shared by the local activist channel Palmyra Coordination
is described as showing IS rockets targeting the tower near Palmyra Castle. Activist reports also said regime forces retaliated with air strikes.

IS sparked outrage when its militants destroyed ancient ruins in Hatra and in Nimrud in Iraq. Credit: Palmyra Coordination