Syrian forces have reportedly recaptured Palmyra from ISIS

Syrian forces recaptured the city of Palmyra from Islamic State militants, according to state media. The extremist group started demolishing ancient ruins after taking the city in May.

Syria's army began by recapturing the Palmyra Castle and destroying ISIS hideouts, marching toward reclaiming the entire city by Sunday, CNN reports.

ISIS had destroyed a 500-year-old shrine along with other historical sites and beheaded an antiquities expert.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up