Russian Air Force Destroys 20 ’ISIL’ Tanks near Palmyra

Local Editor

Russia's Sukhoi jets flew 15 sorties over Syria on Monday striking 10 "ISIL" targets in various regions, according to Russia's Defense Ministry. 20 tanks and 3 rocket launchers in Homs province near embattled Palmyra were destroyed.

"During the day, Sukhoi-34, Sukhoi-24M and Sukhoi-25 warplanes flew a total of 15 sorties from the Khmeimim airbase. Air strikes were delivered at ten targets of the ISIL in Syria," Igor Konashenkov, Russia's Defense Ministry spokesman said in a statement on Monday.

He further noted: "About 20 units of medium T-55 tanks, which were earlier seized by the militants from the Syrian army, have been destroyed [in the strikes]," as well as three multiple rocket launchers.

A video released by the ministry also showed a strike against an "ISIL" ammunition depot in Homs. The ministry explained: "Bright flashes confirm detonation of munitions caused by direct hits of air bombs. Thick smoke provides evidence of fire in the depot."

The city Tadmur is located in an oasis in the middle of the Syrian Desert and stands about half a kilometer northeast of the ruins of the ancient city of Palmyra. The UNESCO protected cultural site was captured by "IS" in May. They have been gradually destroying archeological artifacts and structures since seizing the ancient city. On Sunday they blew up the Arch of Triumph, a centerpiece of the ancient ruins.

Russian Su-34 bombers destroyed "ISIL" headquarters and a command post in the Aleppo province, Konashenkov said on Monday, adding that there had been "direct hits" on structures housing field commanders in Dayr Hafir and al-Bab.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team