Isis blitz Palmyra: Russian tanks and APCs seized by Islamic State in surprise advance

Isis blitz Palmyra: Russian tanks and APCs seized by Islamic State in surprise advance

Footage released by Islamic State-affiliated news agency Amaq reportedly shows IS forces taking control of Palmyra on 11 December. Fighters can be seen standing next to abandoned Russian tanks and armoured personnel carriers at security checkpoints after Syrian and Russian forces fled the city. The ancient city is viewed as a significant battleground in the war against IS, having originally been seized by IS forces in May 2015, it was taken back by Syrian and Russian troops in March 2016. The recapture of Palmyra was seen as a huge success and a concert was even held in the city. Now IS has captured the city famed for its ancient ruins, taken prisoners and seized valuable weaponry. Dec 13, 2016
Pro-government Syrian forces release footage of Aleppo advance

Pro-government Syrian forces release footage of Aleppo advance

Government forces clashed with rebel fighters in a bid to retake the city of Aleppo. Footage released by the Syrian army shows them firing weapons while sweeping through the streets, as pro-government forces claim to have taken 99% of the city. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has warned of atrocities against civilians in eastern Aleppo, and footage shows the decimation of parts of the city. Retaking the city would be Assad’s biggest victory since the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011. Dec 13, 2016