The Syrian army has been engaged in fierce battle in Palmyra, repelling attacks by the ISIL Takfiri terrorists launching attacks on the famed ancient city, Syrian news agency, SANA, reported on Sunday.

Terrorists launched their previous attack on the city on Saturday. Their offensive was thwarted by the actions of the government forces supported by Russian warplanes.

Despite the defeat, the terrorists are again trying to attack the city from the northern, eastern and southern sides. Their perceived goal is to capture al-Amiriyah town northeast of Palmyra and a nearby industrial area, the agency said.

SANA meanwhile, noted that the Syrian Air Force has pounded the insurgents who “incurred significant losses”.

For its part, Russia’s center for Syrian reconciliation said that ISIL managed to move considerable forces from Raqqa to Palmyra after the US-backed offensive of Arab and Kurdish militants was stalled.

More forces and equipment were relocated from the vicinity of Deir ez-Zor. The Syrian Army backed by Russian aircraft is currently maintaining defense in the city. Terrorists launched their previous attack on the city on Saturday. Their offensive was thwarted by the actions of the government forces supported by Russian warplanes.

The Syrian Arab Army, backed by the Russian Aerospace Forces, liberated Palmyra in March, 2016, nearly a year after it was captured by ISIL. During the invasion, the militants destroyed a number of ancient objects, including necropolis, the Arch of Triumph, as well as the temples of Baal Shamin and Bel.

Source: Agencies