Ancient Syrian city of Palmyra falls back into the hands of ISIS

The ancient Syrian city of Palmyra has fallen back into the hands of the Islamic State last Sunday, almost nine months after it was liberated by the Syrian army.

Following the recapture of the city, the militant group issued a statement saying, "soldiers of the caliphate had secured their control over all of Palmyra city... after three days of violent clashes," Los Angeles Times reported.

The retaking of Palmyra raises questions about the Syrian regime's ability to hold territories at a time when ISIS is thought to be on the retreat.

ISIS released photos of its fighters attacking what it claimed to be Jazal oil fields, northwest of Palmyra. Amaq, a news agency affiliated with the group, posted a video showing the ancient city after the jihadists arrived on its outskirts.

Nasser Abdul Aziz, head of an activist documentation group with members inside the city, said in an interview on social media that ISIS took over the city and made an announcement via loudspeakers assuring civilians that it was now safe to come out.

Aziz said that hundreds of militants, backed by heavy armor, crossed from Iraq and massed at Raqqah, which is the de-facto capital of ISIS in Syria. As the jihadists moved towards Palmyra, the group attacked the oil fields to the east before storming the ancient city.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a pro-opposition monitoring group with activists throughout the country, said that the assault claimed the lives of approximately 120 pro-government troops.

The terror group was successful in taking over the city despite a barrage of 64 airstrikes, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The attacks reportedly killed more than 300 militants and destroyed numerous vehicles.

BBC reported that the militants went door to door, looking for remaining forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Talal Barazi, the governor of Homs province, said that the government forces have regrouped outside Palmyra to prepare for a fresh assault. He insisted that "the army is using all means to prevent the terrorists from staying."

Palmyra was captured by the militant group in May 2015 until it was liberated in March this year. ISIS destroyed several monuments and beheaded the archaeological director during its 10-month reign.