Russia bombs IS base near world heritage city

Russia confirmed the attack took place near the UNESCO world heritage site and said its bombers hit 237 targets in Syria in the past two days.

The 2,000-year-old ancient city of Palmyra was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site for its architectural works. Photo: AFP

"Su-25 aircraft bombed a fortified position of the Islamic State in the Tadmur area of ​​Homs province," the Russian Defense Ministry said, referring to the Arabic name for Palmyra. "The direct strike destroyed a fortress, a bomb shelter and anti-aircraft guns."

According to AFP, this appears to be the first time Russia has confirmed an attack near the area designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), after Moscow denied Syrian state television's claim of attacking the ancient citadel in early October.

Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), said Russian planes had targeted Palmyra yesterday. Some of the strikes hit the ancient citadel in the city, he said.

A photo released by the Russian Defense Ministry last month shows smoke rising after an airstrike in Syria. Photo: Reuters

Activist Khaled al-Homsi, who lives in the city, also said Russian strikes hit the ancient citadel on the western edge of the area. "The extent of the damage cannot be verified," he added.

Russia did not say when the airstrikes took place, but said its planes had struck 237 targets in Syria over the past two days.

According to VNE