Syrian Soldier patrols the ancient City of Palmyra
DAMASCUS: Syrian government forces, backed by Russian air strikes, on Thursday pushed into the ancient town of Palmyra, which has been held by the Islamic State jihadist group since May, state TV reported.
The advance came after the troops managed this week to capture several hills and high ground around the town, famed for its priceless archaeological site and Roman ruins.
Syrian troops have been on the offensive for days in an attempt to capture the town. The state TV broadcast footage of its reporter, embedded with the Syrian military, speaking live from the entrance of Palmyra and saying that as of mid-day on Thursday, the fighting was concentrated near the archaeological site on the southwestern edge of the town.
An unnamed Syrian soldier told the station he had one message for the Islamic State group: "You will be crushed under the feet of the Syrian Arab Army."
Recapturing the town, a Unesco world heritage site, would be a significant victory for Syria's army and its Russian allies. Russia withdrew most of its forces and aircraft from Syria last week after a months-long bombing campaign that succeeded in turning the tide of the war again in President Bashar Assad's favor.
Turkey-based activist Osama al-Khatib, who is originally from Palmyra, denied that Syrian troops had entered the town. He said they were still on the edge of Palmyra and that the video seen on Syrian state TV shows teyh area about five kilometres (3 miles) from Palmyra.
Earlier in the day, governor Talal Barazi told Associated Press from the nearby city of Homs that the Syrian army has determined three directions to storm Palmyra and was clearing all roads leading into the town of mines and explosives.