Syrian Army Kills Over 40 ISIL Militants in Palmyra, Neighborhood - Source

DAMASCUS (Sputnik) — The Syrian Armed Forces have killed at least 43 ISIL militants in the ancient city of Palmyra and its neighborhood, a military source told Sputnik on Monday.

"The Armed Forces launched their special operation at the village of Al Bayarat, 13 terrorists have been killed. Meanwhile, three kilometers away from Palmyra IS attacked oilfields in Jazal. So far, at least 30 militants have been eliminated," the source said.

Vast territories in Syria, which has been in the state of civil war since 2011, are currently controlled by the ISIL.

The village of Al Bayarat is located directly west of the ancient city of Palmyra, which has been occupied by the ISIL since late May and severely damaged. The site contains the monumental ruins of an ancient city that was one of the most important cultural centers of the antique world. The location is one of the most important sites in the Middle East and is included in the UNESCO world heritage list.

The Jazal field, the last major oilfield under Syrian government control, also lies near the city of Palmyra. The strategic object was captured by ISIL militants earlier in the day, according to media reports. The oilfield was shut down amid the ongoing fighting.