Palmyra offensive (March 2016)

Palmyra offensive (March 2016)
Part of the Syrian Civil War and the
Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War

Map showing areas captured by 26 March
Date9–27 March 2016
(2 weeks and 4 days)
LocationTadmur District, Eastern Homs Governorate, Syria
Result

Major Syrian Army victory

  • Syrian Army captures Palmyra city and its area[1][2][3]
Belligerents

Syria Syrian Arab Republic

 Russia

Shi'ite militias

 Iran

Hezbollah[10]		 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
Commanders and leaders
Major General Suheil Al Hassan[11]
Ali Rahmoun †[12][13]
(Syrian Marines commander)		 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Sultan bin 'Abdel-Rahman †[14]
(Emir of Palmyra)
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Khalil Mohameed †[15]
(Emir of Palmyra)
Units involved

Syrian Army

National Defense Force

  • Golani Regiment (Fouj Al-Joulan)[18]
  • Al-Quneitra Hawks Brigade (Liwaa Suqour Al-Quneitra)[18]
 Military of ISIL
Strength
6,000+[18] 2,000+ (per Syrian Army)
Casualties and losses
195 killed[19][20] (1 Russian, 1 Iranian)[20][21] 417 killed (per SOHR)[19]
450 killed (per Syrian Army)[22]
500+ killed (per Russia; 20–27 March)[23]
Timeline
Civil uprising
in Syria (March–August 2011)
Start of insurgency (September 2011 – April 2012)
Cease-fire and civil war (May 2012 – December 2013)
Rise of the Islamists (January–September 2014)
United States-led intervention (September 2014 – September 2015)
Russian intervention (September 2015–present)

The Palmyra offensive (March 2016) was a military operation started by the Syrian Arab Army, supported by Russian airstrikes,[24] in a bid to recapture from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant the Syrian city of Tadmur (near the ruins of the ancient city of Palmyra), which was strategically important for both forces due to its position in central Syria.[25] The city was recaptured on 27 March.

Offensive

Battle for the hills

On 9 March 2016, heavy Russian airstrikes started hitting the Palmyra area, with 32 ISIL fighters reported killed by the next day.[26] As of 14 March 80 airstrikes and 200 rockets and artillery shells had hit the city.[27] The Syrian Arab Army's Central Command stated their next aim after eventually capturing Palmyra would be Deir ez-Zor.[28]

Major ground fighting started on 12 March, when the Syrian Army attacked the village of Al-Dawah, west of Palmyra,[16] while the next day they assaulted Jabal Qassoun mountain, where Palmyra Castle is located.[29] In all, the military's attack was directed against three flanks of Palmyra in an attempt to surround the city.[30] In preparation for the offensive, ISIL built strong defenses in the city and trenches around it.[31]

On 14 March, the military captured Hill 800 and Hill 853, which are part of Jabal Hayyan mountain, southwest of Palmyra,[7][32] while the ISIL emir of the city, Khalil Mohameed, was reportedly killed when a rocket hit his headquarters.[15]

On 15 March, government forces fully secured Jabal Hayyan mountain,[33] after capturing Hill 900.[31] The advance brought the military to within four kilometers west and south of Palmyra.[34] Elsewhere, fighting continued in Al-Dawah, while Army units were also attempting to advance towards the Brigade 550 Base.[16] Meanwhile, Russian airstrikes on the road between Palmyra and Al-Sukhnah left 26 people dead.[35]

On 17 March, ISIL took advantage of a sandstorm and launched a counter-attack[31] against Point 939 and the Jabal Hayyan mountain, though the Army repelled the assault.[10] Later that day, Syrian Marines from the Latakia Governorate and Hezbollah fighters were sent as reinforcements to Palmyra to strengthen the government forces for the assault on the city.[4] ISIL also sent reinforcements.[31]

The following day, the SAA seized the Tal Mattar hilltop, close to the Palmyra Castle,[36] after which they continued to advance, capturing Tal Areen hill.[37] Concurrently with the Syrian Army ground offensive, Russia was conducting 20–25 airstrikes daily on ISIL positions in and around Palmyra. A Turkey-based activist, originally from Palmyra, speculated that the military could take the city within days if it kept up the momentum it had achieved.[31] ISIL claimed to have killed six Syrian soldiers, five Russian soldiers and several Hezbollah fighters. An ISIL website released a video showing the body of a man in military gear, described as a Russian military advisor, with equipment including a customised AK-74M rifle, a helmet, a compass and a pack of bandages with instructions written in Russian.[38]

On 20 March, the SAA captured two hills overlooking the Ithriyah–Palmyra highway, cutting off of one of ISIL's main supply routes to the city.[39] The next day, the SAA made more advances,[40] as they assaulted the Jabal Al-Tar hilltop.[41] 26 Syrian Marines, including their commander Ali Rahmoun, were killed during the day's clashes.[12] 17 of the Marines died as a result of a friendly fire accident when they were hit with a Russian missile. Another 26 were wounded.[13] Meanwhile, IRGC advisors and Liwa Fatemiyoun units arrived as another wave of pro-government reinforcements.[8]

On 21 March, a large convoy of reinforcements from the NDF units of Fouj Al-Joulan and Liwaa Suqour Al-Quneitra arrived at the western countryside of Palmyra, raising the number of pro-government forces in the area to more than 6,000.[18] The next evening, government advances continued with the support of 50 airstrikes[42] and the Army seized the Palmyra Triangle road junction.[43][44][45] Subsequently, around 120 explosives were cleared from the Triangle area.[46]

As of 23 March, the military was within one or two kilometers of the city on the south side and five kilometers on the west side,[46][47] as they reached the outskirts of Palmyra,[48] after seizing the al-Hayal mountain range,[49] including its hills that overlook the town.[50] A soldier stated on state TV that they expected to capture the city within hours.[46]

Close-quarters fighting

Syrian Army after the battle

The following day, the Army was one kilometer from the town and facing stiff resistance as it tried to penetrate the city limits.[51] They attacked the strategic Semiramis Hotel, on the outskirts of Palmyra, approaching to within 70 meters of the hotel.[52] Fighting also reached the edge of the southwestern al-Gharf neighbourhood. As the clashes raged, ISIL urged civilians through loudspeakers to leave the city.[53] The governor of Homs province speculated the military would capture Palmyra within 48 hours.[51] In the afternoon, government forces managed to fully capture the Semiramis Hotel,[54] as well as Muhtar Mount, Al-Zera'a roundabout, Al-Tar Mountain, the Tombs Valley and the Mozeh Palace,[55][56] a luxury villa which ISIL used as a headquarters[57] and previously belonged to the House of Thani (the Qatari Royal family).[20] In the evening, the Army entered the first houses in the southwestern part of Palmyra.[56]

On the morning of 25 March, pro-government forces took control of several hilltops on the western and northwestern side of Palmyra, including near Palmyra Castle.[58] Later that day, the castle itself was captured,[59][60][61] as well as reportedly the Brigade 550 Base.[62] Government forces were also reported to have reached the Palmyra Prison, after seizing most of the Palmyra Orchards[63] and the city's airbase.[64] Fighting also raged at the archaeological sites where government force's progress was slow due to the lack of artillery support for the sake of protecting the ruins.[65] At this point, ISIL forces started withdrawing their equipment from Palmyra and planting land mines.[59]

On 26 March, state TV reported the military captured three neighborhoods inside Palmyra,[66] including the northern district of Al-Amiriya, as well as the neighborhoods of Mutaqa'ideen and Al-Jami'a.[67] The opposition activist group the SOHR confirmed the capture of Al-Amiriya,[68] but stated the other two neighborhoods were still being contested, with ISIL conducting counter-attacks with car-bombs against advancing government forces.[69] Most apartment blocks in the city's residential area were damaged by the fighting and several had completely collapsed.[70] Later, SOHR confirmed the capture of Mutaqa'ideen and Al-Jami'a[71] and reported government troops secured 35% of the city, while ISIL fighters were retreating towards the Al-Sukhnah area, east of Palmyra.[72][73][74]

On the dawn of 27 March, the city was fully captured by the SAA after ISIL defenses collapsed.[1][3] Sporadic fighting continued in the eastern outskirts of Palmyra between government forces and ISIL fighters who refused to retreat,[75] concentrated at the prison and the airbase.[76] However, most of ISIL's forces had withdrawn to the east.[77] Later in the day, the prison and the airbase were captured as the remaining 30 ISIL militants fought to the death.[78]

Aftermath

Palmyra after the battle

After the capture of the city, a Russian military convoy, including armored personnel carriers, arrived to help in the process of clearing Palmyra of explosives left by retreating ISIL forces. Meanwhile, a mass grave containing the bodies of 24 civilians and 18 soldiers was discovered. In all, at least 280 people are believed to had been executed by ISIL during its control of the town.[79]

Reactions

Commentary

There were opinions that the liberation of Palmyra by the Syrian Army and its allies was contradictorily perceived by some Western media and political establishments.[87][88]

References

  1. 1 2 Associated Press (27 March 2016). "Syrian forces retake historic city of Palmyra from Islamic State". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  2. ↑ khaled. "بعد معارك استمرت لـ 3 أسابيع قوات النظام تستعيد السيطرة على كامل مدينة تدمر وخسائر بشرية فادحة في صفوف تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية"". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  3. 1 2 Leith Fadel (27 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Armed Forces liberate Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Leith Fadel (17 March 2016). "Massive convoy of Syrian Army reinforcements leave Latakia for Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
  5. ↑ Reuters Editorial (24 March 2016). "Russia's special forces officer killed in Syria: Interfax". Reuters.
  6. ↑ "Russian special forces active in Syria, give recon & targeting for warplanes, general confirms". RT International.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Leith Fadel (14 March 2016). "Tiger Forces liberate Hill 800 in west Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  8. 1 2 3 Leith Fadel (21 March 2016). "Iranian special forces arrive in Palmyra to help liberate the city". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  9. ↑ Leith Fadel (26 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate Al-Amariyah in northern Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  10. 1 2 Leith Fadel (17 March 2016). "Syrian Army, Hezbollah overwhelm ISIS in west Palmyra: dozens killed". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
  11. ↑ Chris Tomson (7 March 2016). "Prominent Syrian General deployed to ISIS-held Palmyra as Syrian Army prepares offensive". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  12. 1 2 jack. "IS kills 26 seals and their commander in Tadmur city". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  13. 1 2 Leith Fadel (21 March 2016). "Friendly-fire in Palmyra kills 17 Syrian Marines". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  14. ↑ Leith Fadel (18 March 2016). "Top ISIS emir in Palmyra killed by the Syrian Army". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  15. 1 2 Leith Fadel (14 March 2016). "Top ISIS emir in Palmyra killed by Syrian Army". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  16. 1 2 3 Leith Fadel (15 March 2016). "Syrian Army advances in Palmyra despite heavy casualties". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  17. ↑ Leith Fadel (26 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate Al-Amariyah in northern Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  18. 1 2 3 4 Leith Fadel (22 March 2016). "More reinforcements pour into Palmyra as the Syrian Army prepares to storm the city". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  19. 1 2 "Syrian forces pursue campaign against Islamic State after retaking Palmyra". townhall.com.
  20. 1 2 3 "Syrian army re-enters Palmyra as ISIS are warned they will be 'crushed'". Mail Online. 24 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  21. ↑ US says Iran forces pulling back in Syria; others say no
  22. ↑ Reem. "The army takes full control of Palmyra city, hundreds of ISIS terrorists killed".
  23. ↑ "The Latest: Russian Officer Killed Near Palmyra in Syria". AP. 24 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016 – via The New York Times.
    Heavy Russian Airstrikes as Syrian Army Fights IS in Palmyra
    The ancient city of Palymyra could be restored in 5 years
  24. ↑ "Isis 'losing control' of Palmyra as Syrian troops backed by Russian air strikes approach ancient city". Independent. 26 March 2016.
  25. ↑ "Syria's Forces Move Closer to Palmyra". Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  26. ↑ "Syrian army aims for eastward advance with Palmyra attack". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  27. ↑ jack. "300 airstrikes and shells target Tadmur city". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  28. ↑ Fadel, Leith. Syrian Army, Hezbollah plan to liberate Deir Ezzor after Palmyra. Al-Masdar News. 12 March 2016.
  29. ↑ Leith Fadel (13 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army storms the Palmyra Castle". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  30. ↑ Leith Fadel (14 March 2016). "Syrian Armed Forces attempt to surround Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  31. 1 2 3 4 5 "Syrian troops push toward Palmyra, with Russian support". The Japan Times. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  32. ↑ Leith Fadel (14 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army liberates Point 853 in western Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  33. ↑ Leith Fadel (15 March 2016). "Tiger Forces liberate Jabal Hayyal in west Palmyra, Map Update". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  34. ↑ "Russian air strikes near Palmyra as Syrian troops advance: monitor". Mail Online. 15 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  35. ↑ Reuters Editorial (15 March 2016). "26 die as Russian jets back Syrian advance near Palmyra - monitor". Reuters India. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  36. ↑ Leith Fadel (18 March 2016). "Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate important hilltop near the Palmyra Castle". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  37. ↑ Leith Fadel (18 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate Tal Areen in western Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  38. ↑ "ISIS kills five Russian soldiers during fighting in Syria". Mail Online. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
  39. ↑ Leith Fadel (20 March 2016). "Game over: Syrian Army, Hezbollah cutoff ISIL's main supply route to Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  40. ↑ jack. "IS clashes with regime forces around al-Qaritin city". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  41. ↑ Leith Fadel (21 March 2016). "News alert: Syrian Army, Hezbollah storming Jabal Al-Tar in west Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  42. ↑ suliman. "نحو 50 ضربة جوية ترافق تقدم قوات النظام في بادية تدمر". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  43. ↑ Leith Fadel (22 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate the Palmyra Triangle". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  44. ↑ Zen Adra (22 March 2016). "Field report: Syrian Army controls new points outside Palmyra. Map Update". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  45. ↑ Edward. "Violent clashing and the regime forces advances and controls strategic sites in the vicinity of Palmyra and casualties in clashes in the vicinity of al-Qaryatayn". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  46. 1 2 3 "Syrian army expects to retake Palmyra 'within hours': TV". Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  47. ↑ "Syria regime forces at entrance to Islamic State-held Palmyra". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  48. ↑ jack. "Regime forces reach Tadmur city outskirts". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  49. ↑ "Syrian army recaptures strategic mountain from ISIS in ancient Palmyra - ARA News". ARA News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  50. ↑ "Syrian army seizes hills overlooking ISIS-held town of Palmyra". Fox News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  51. 1 2 "The Latest: Russian officer killed near Palmyra in Syria". Mail Online. 24 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  52. ↑ Leith Fadel (24 March 2016). "Syrian Army, Hezbollah storming Semiramis Hotel in west Palmyra: map update". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  53. ↑ "The Peninsula Qatar - IS tells civilians in Syria's Palmyra to flee: Monitor". Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  54. ↑ Albert Aji and Sinan Salaheddin - AP (24 March 2016). "Syrian army enters IS-held Palmyra, Mosul operation begins". Washington Post. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  55. ↑ Zen Adra (24 March 2016). "Field report: Palmyra battle heats up as Syrian Army makes fresh gains. Map Update". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  56. 1 2 suliman. "معارك عنيفة ومتواصلة تشهدها أطراف ومشارف مدينة تدمر بريف حمص الشرقي وقوات النظام تواصل محاولاتها استعادة السيطرة على المدينة". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان.
  57. ↑ "ISIS' new headquarters in Syrian mansion owned by Qatari Royal Family". Mail Online. 13 June 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  58. ↑ Leith Fadel (25 March 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate several hilltops overlooking Palmyra". Al-Masdar News.
  59. 1 2 "Syrian Army Said to Be Closer to Retaking Palmyra". The New York Times. 26 March 2016.
  60. ↑ Dominic Evans and Andrea Shalal (25 March 2016). "Islamic State under siege in Palmyra, militant leader killed". Reuters.
  61. ↑ Zen Adra (25 March 2016). "Field Report: Syrian Army retakes Palmyra Castle. Map Update". Al-Masdar News.
  62. ↑ Leith Fadel (25 March 2016). "ISIS in disarray as the Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate Brigade 550 in northern Palmyra". Al-Masdar News.
  63. ↑ Leith Fadel (25 March 2016). "Syrian Army, Hezbollah officially enter Palmyra City". Al-Masdar News.
  64. ↑ Leith Fadel (26 March 2016). "Battle for Palmyra enters critical stage as the Syrian Army advances inside the city". Al-Masdar News.
  65. ↑ Los Angeles Times (25 March 2016). "The battle for Palmyra will reveal how much damage was done to Syria's priceless relics". latimes.com.
  66. ↑ "Heavy Russian airstrikes as Syrian army fights IS in Palmyra". Mail Online. 26 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  67. ↑ Rasha milhem. "The army establishes full control over several neighborhoods in Palmyra city and areas in Hama". Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  68. ↑ jack. "Regime forces advance in Tadmur city". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  69. ↑ "Syrian forces battle Isis fighters in Palmyra". the Guardian. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  70. ↑ Firstpost (28 March 2016). "Syria troops press advance after blow to Islamic State in Palmyra". Firstpost.
  71. ↑ "Syria army edges forward in jihadist-held Palmyra". Breitbart. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  72. ↑ Dominic Evans (27 March 2016). "Syrian army, with Russian air support, advances inside Palmyra". Reuters UK. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  73. ↑ jack. "Advances for Regime forces in Tadmur city as it force IS to pull back". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  74. ↑ "JUST IN: Palmyra ‘recaptured’ from ISIL, military source". euronews. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  75. ↑ jack. "IS pulls back into Tadmur outskirts". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  76. ↑ jack. "Regime forces breaks into Tadmur prison". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  77. ↑ "Syrian army recaptures Palmyra from ISIS - Business Insider". Business Insider. 27 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  78. ↑ jack. "Regime forces takes control on Tadmur prison and military airport". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  79. ↑ "Palmyra images by Assad regime reveal mass grave used by ISIS". Mail Online. 2 April 2016.
  80. ↑ "Egypt welcomes liberation of Palmyra from Daesh terrorist". State Information Services. 30 March 2016.
  81. ↑ "Iran's SNSC Secretary Congratulates Syria on Palmyra Liberation". Tasnim News Agency. 28 March 2016.
  82. ↑ Reuters Editorial (27 March 2016). "Russia's Putin congratulates Syria's Assad on regaining Palmyra". Reuters. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  83. ↑ "Assad hails Syrian regime's capture of Palmyra from Isis". The Guardian.
  84. ↑ "Ban Ki-moon hails removal of IS from Syria's Palmyra". The Economic Times.
  85. ↑ "IS video claims to show group still in control of Palmyra". Middle East Eye.
  86. ↑ WOW: State Dept Rep - Syria's army should not liberate Palmyra from ISIS?. 24 March 2016 – via YouTube.
  87. ↑ "L’Isis sconfitto a Palmira. Grande notizia! Ma non per certa stampa". Il Giornale. 3 April 2016.
  88. ↑ "Why is David Cameron so silent on the recapture of Palmyra from the clutches of Isis?". The Independent. 27 March 2016.

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