MOSCOW (Sputnik) – An operation to block and destroy a large group of Daesh (terrorist group, banned in Russia) is currently underway in the Syrian town of Akerbat northwest of Palmyra, the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate Col. Gen. Sergei Rudskoy said Monday.
"An operation to block and destroy a large Daesh group is underway near the city of Akerbat. An offensive is progressing successfully in southern Syria," Rusdkoy said.
Daesh seized Palmyra, which was the capital of the Palmyrene Empire and one of the richest cities of the Roman Empire, in May 2015. Terrorists destroyed a number of historic sights designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Arch of Triumph, the Temple of Baalshamin and the Temple of Bel. Jihadists also looted the national museum and the famous Palmyra’s necropolis.
Since 2011, Syria has been engulfed in a civil war, with government forces fighting against numerous opposition and terrorist groups, including al-Nusra Front and Daesh, banned in a range of countries, including Russia.
