Intense battles on several fronts in Syria, including near UNESCO site

Syria’s army, backed up by fighters from Lebanon’s Hezbollah, have reportedly made big advances against insurgents in a key border region.

The development in the Qalamoun area would be a boost for President Bashar al-Assad after several defeats for his forces elsewhere.

Intense battles are raging on several fronts, including around Idlib and near the world heritage site of Palmyra.

Rebels have reportedly attacked and stormed a military checkpoint in the Idlib province, blowing up a nearby tunnel.

But there is real concern about the advance by ISIL militants on a government-held area near Palmyra, which is listed by UNESCO.

The fighters, who call themselves Islamic State, have already destroyed ancient monuments in Iraq.

The militants have been stepping up their offensive on government and rebel-held areas.

Photos of Palmyra:

Islamic State 'threatens ruins of ancient site of Palmyra' http://t.co/b0H5XhSrscpic.twitter.com/M7ADZtfyb4

— Telegraph News (@TelegraphNews) May 14, 2015

A powerful photo from Syria and the story behind it: http://t.co/9oXYrrpxPkpic.twitter.com/k4URphrqA4

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) May 13, 2015

Brit schoolgirl twins who fled UK to be 'jihadi brides' may be on the run from Isis in Syria http://t.co/xIxHNoHFQNpic.twitter.com/XcmQbpsXEp

— The Independent (@Independent) May 14, 2015

.LinaKhatibCMEC</a>: Post-Assad Syria needs a system that guarantees equitable political inclusion for all citizens: <a href="http://t.co/MZd7AvLQ97">http://t.co/MZd7AvLQ97</a></p>&mdash; Carnegie Endowment (CarnegieEndow) May 14, 2015