[bots]

Syrian government forces have re-captured the ancient city of Palmyra from so-called Islamic State (IS), say state media and a monitoring group.

An army representative told Syrian state TV that the recapture of Palmyra marks the beginning of IS' collapse.

The Syrian army had been gaining ground for several days, supported by Russian air strikes. Military sources say the army now has "full control".

IS seized the Unesco World Heritage site and modern town in May 2015.

Images released by the Syrian military on Saturday showed helicopters and tanks firing at positions in Palmyra.

The date of the footage could not be independently verified.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, said there was still gunfire in the eastern part of the city, but the bulk of the IS force had pulled out and retreated further east.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-35906568

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Excellent result to retake Palmyra and a very important propaganda victory too.