Demining Palmyra - scores of bombs feared hidden in the historic city

By Catherine Hardy with Reuters, RU24

Published on 29/03/2016 - 15:44

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Russian military engineers are preparing for an unusual mission

Russian experts

A group of Russian sappers, or military engineers, is preparing to leave on an unusual mission in Syria.

Russian television says they will help with the de-mining process in Palmyra.

Syrian officials say 150 bombs have already been removed from inside the archaeological site in the historic city.

They were reportedly planted by ISIL fighters.

Retaking Palmyra

Syrian government forces, backed by significant Russian air support, drove ISIL out of Palmyra on Sunday March 27.

Analysts say the loss of the city is a big setback for ISIL.

It opens up the route leading east to the group’s strongholds of Raqqa and Deir al-Zor.

Desecration

Many of Palmyra’s temples and tombs have been dynamited by ISIL fighters in what the UN says is a war crime.

However, drone footage suggests some colonnades and structures, including the famous theatre, are still standing.

Drone footage shows what remains of Palmyra after Syrian government forces drove Islamic State fighters out.https://t.co/i3S6JPHhLe
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) March 28, 2016

Latest drone footage suggests historic Palmyra may have survived ISILIt is suggested up to 80% of the historic site may have survived.

In tweets

New photos and drone footage show that Palmyra is not as damaged as originally feared: https://t.co/8wNJQTjNhs pic.twitter.com/V6rC5CX6xL
— Foreign Policy (@ForeignPolicy) March 29, 2016

Preliminary evidence suggests Palmyra has survived ISIL> 80 percent of ancient Palmyra in 'good shape': Syrian expert https://t.co/NeF3y6kHFq pic.twitter.com/orGa8XwXW0