Islamic State Continues Its Military Advance On The Ancient Syrian City Of Palmyra

Reuters: Islamic State said to advance further near ancient Palmyra

Islamic State militants were reported to have gained ground against Syrian troops in fighting near the historic city of Palmyra on Saturday, a target in an offensive by the jihadist group that has raised concern for the U.N. world heritage site.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based group that reports on the war, also said Islamic State militants had executed 23 people on Friday including nine minors and five women in areas seized from state control outside the city.

Syrian government antiquities chief Maamoun Abdulkarim said fighting continued at 1-2 km (around a mile) from the city, which he said was still "firmly under government control". A military source said fighting was ongoing but at "a distance far from the city".

More News On The Islamic State Continuing Its Military Advance On The Ancient Syrian City Of Palmyra

Isil fighting shifts closer to Roman ruins of Palmyra -- The Telegraph
ISIL advances on Syria's ancient city of Palmyra -- Al Jazeera
Activists say Islamic State group seizes territory on edge of Syria's historic city of Palmyra -- AP
Syrian army sends back-up to protect Palmyra ruins -- Xinhua
Islamic State gain ground near historic city of Tadmur -- Irish Times
Palmyra: Will ISIS bulldoze ancient Syrian city? -- Mairi Mackay, CNN