Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Russian jets bomb targets in Palmyra, Syrian state TV reports

The attack marks Russia's first strike against Isis controlled territory

Samuel Osborne
Tuesday 06 October 2015 06:32 EDT
Comments
Isis has destroyed significant historical sites in Palmyra in recent months
Isis has destroyed significant historical sites in Palmyra in recent months (STR/AFP/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Russian jets have successfully bombed sites in the ancient city of Palmyra as part of their military operations against Isis.

In Aleppo, Russian warplanes reportedly targeted towns 10 miles east of a military airport currently besieged by Isis fighters.

The strikes hit vehicles and weapons depots in and around the city, Syrian state TV reported.

Reportedly, 20 vehicles and three weapons depots have been destroyed along with .

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes were launched overnight and killed at least 15 Isis fighters and injured dozens more.

The attack marks Russia's first strike against Isis controlled territory.

On Sunday officials and local sources reported Isis militants destroyed a 2,000-year-old Roman arch of triumph in Palmyra.

Syria's director of antiques, Maamoun Abdulkarim, told Newsweek he welcomes the news that Russia is targeting the ancient city, as he thinks it will save the ancient city from Isis.

"We will lose Palmyra if it stays in the hands of these terrorist groups," he said.

"If they help us to recover Palmyra, it will be good if it is not too late. We have lost some very important buildings that are very significant for the Syrian heritage."

Isis fighters, who consider some historic ruins to be sacrilegious, have previously blown up temples and destroyed other structures at the Unesco World Heritage Site.

Last week, a US-led coalition urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to “immediately cease attacks on opposition and civilians”, citing concerns over civilian casualties.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in