World Bulletin / News Desk

Syrian regime said on Thursday it has recaptured Palmyra city from ISIL with the help of Russian air units and Iranian groups on the ground.

Palmyra Media Center official Halid el-Humsi said the regime forces fully captured the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.

ISIL had retaken the historically rich city in December from Syrian forces who had formerly ousted the terror group in March last year.

When ISIL first held the city in May 2015, they blew up the 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel and other irreplaceable archeological sites. Concerns had been renewed that the city, which hosts a UNESCO world heritage site, could face a new wave of demolitions with militants back in control.

Russia has been a principal backer of Assad, alongside Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah. It has waged a widespread air campaign in the country and deployed its special forces to fight what it calls "terrorists" in the country - term used by Moscow and Damascus for all armed opposition groups.