ISIS driven out of Christian town by Syrian army, allied forces
The Syrian army and allied forces have gained control of Al-Qaryatayn on Sunday, following their earlier victory in Palmyra. Both the town -- home to many Christians -- and the ancient city were previously held by the Islamic State terror group.
According to Reuters, government forces encircled the town in the previous days before entering from several directions and driving away the militants. Syrian and Russian planes, according to the report, conducted more than 40 airstrikes near the area. Sputnik News, meanwhile, says that the offensive began on Saturday from the south, southeast and northwest. The terrorists were reportedly attempting to flee, by means of off-road vehicles, to the northside of the mountains that surround the town.
Reuters cites a report from the Syrian state television that says the offensive forces "fully restored security and stability to al-Qaryatain after killing the last remaining groups of Daesh terrorists." This is considered as a victory since the town is in a strategic location between the north and south of the country. The government gaining control of it not only disrupts the supply routes of the IS in the country but also secures the route between the oilfields in eastern Syria and Damascus.
The militants, however, have planted bombs in roads and buildings; thus, the Syrian forces and its allies have sent people in to clear the area before allowing civilians to return to their homes.
Al-Qaryatayn, located 60 miles (100 km) west of Palmyra, was taken over the IS in August 2015. They took around 230 civilians captive, including more than 60 Christians, with some taken to the city of Raqqa. The terror group destroyed the Monastery of St. Elian, a 1,500 year-old historical Christian structure, with photos showing them bulldozing portions of the building.
Most of the town is now under government control, according to a report by Manila Bulletin.
