RIA News reports that the Syrian troops are located approximately 20 km from ancient Palmyra. Particularly noted is the fact that Palmyra is not only an ancient city with numerous World Heritage sites (many of which have already been destroyed by terrorists), but also a strategically important “intersection” that opens the road to Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa.
It also became known that Syrian President Bashar Assad ordered an inspection of the SAR troops. The country's defense minister, General Fahed Jassem Al-Freij, visits military units and formations in the provinces of Lattakia and Hama.
On the progress of the inspection reports the news agency SANA:
The Minister heard reports of the heads of army units on the conduct of military operations and special operations in the fight against terrorist groups supported from outside.