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Thousands of fighters transferred from Mosul with US support are involved in fighting, along with large numbers from Raqqa and Dier Ezzor.
According to Tass and other reports, an ISIS offensive against Palmyra was beaten back overnight Saturday by Syrian and Russian forces.
On Sunday, RT International reported a second ISIS attempt to take the city, involving around 4,000 (US-supported) fighters.
According to a Russian military statement, “IS has dispatched a considerable force to Palmyra from” Raqqa and other areas. Heavy fighting continues.
Despite losses in manpower, weapons and equipment, “the terrorists seek to come as close as possible and gain a foothold in the city, as the Russian Air Force is not conducting airstrikes against residential areas in the city of Palmyra.”
Thousands of fighters transferred from Mosul with US support are involved in fighting, along with large numbers from Raqqa and Dier Ezzor.
ISIS seized Palmyra last year, destroying or damaging historic sites, the city liberated in March by Syrian and allied forces, supported by Russian airpower.
Breaking news Sunday morning in America by AMN News said the following:
“The so-called ‘Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’ (ISIS) have captured the ancient city of Palmyra (Tadmor) in the eastern part of Homs province after main contingent of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) withdrew from the city.”
“The aforementioned terror group claimed this through its media affiliate, ‘Amaq agency.’ A bit late, military sources speaking to Al-Masdar News confirmed this information.”
“The militants consequently captured Al-Amariyah district and a hilltop of the same name, Officers Housing complex, and the Citadel of Palmyra, which made any further attempts to hold positions inside the city completely senseless.”
“According to several reports, some SAA units still remain in the city providing cover to their comrades that retreat westwards. After retreat is complete these units will withdraw as well.”
If the city is again lost, liberating it will have to begin all over again, not likely achieved before ISIS destroys and steals more priceless artifacts – with full US support and encouragement, another war crime on Obama’s lengthy rap sheet.
On January 20, he’ll leave office in a blaze of infamy, his high crimes too wicked to ignore.
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at [email protected].
His new book as editor and contributor is titled “Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III.”
http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html
Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.
Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.
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